Compelling and thought provoking story, 03 Nov 2008
An incredible story that is difficult to describe in a short few sentences. It was certainly a very thought provoking book and I really wanted to discuss it with someone else (excellent choice for a book club!). I was unsure about the ending but on reflection it fits well with the rest of the book and allows for the reader to ponder the story well after finishing reading. Dystopian fiction is not for everyone but if you are at all interested in this genre then this is a brilliant example. Once I'd finished this book I went straight out and bought "Oryx and Crake" - another dystopian story by Atwood.

It doesn't matter what you feel, it only matters how you behave, 23 Sep 2008
What a wonderful book, written in the style of 1984 and Kazuo Ishiguro's Never let me go. I find Margaret Atwood's books hard to put down once I have started them, and cannot believe I only discovered her this year. I didn't read the notes at the end, as I thought they would ruin the chilling atmosphere set by the rest of the book. Moira is one of the best characters for me; she brings a little humour to the situation which is sorely needed. A great read.

How to do theocratic dystopia..., 12 Aug 2008
A truly great book, particular for those who have cold feet about Speculative Fiction (aka Sci Fi). A post-apocalyptic take on loss, resistance, feminism and social order of the patriarchal kind, The Handmaid's Tale avoids both cliche and the pretensions that can often plague even the best of novels with political undertows. I can think of few books which so well capture the sense of radical transformation and dislocation that must come with what someone once called the 'orgasms of history', those decisive events that change utterly social structures and somehow drag individuals along with them, even though people remain dominated by much the same loves and hopes they always were. The evocations of ritual, ceremony and punishment are particularly disturbing and resonant, even viscerally so. And, despite creating a deeply believable metaphor both for those changes that have been and those yet to come, Atwood also accomplishes the 'page turner' quality usually reserved for shallow thrillers. Just shy of being a masterpiece.

A thoroughly satisfying read, 07 Aug 2008
Possibly inspired by Islamic revolutions of the late 1970's - Atwood re-imagines American society in the grip an ultra-conservative, theocracy.
Under this regime, biblical scripture is used to justify hierarchical polygamy. High-caste 'Wives' govern biologically-fertile 'handmaids'- kept purely for procreative breeding, these 'handmaids' are sober, pious and nun-like - but they retain the dangerous allure of 'scarlet women' ... being parodoxically both entrapped and yet empowered by their vital role as surrogate mothers.
This is a post-feminist and matriarchal, but rigidly controlled and totalitarian society. It is NOT a cliched 'post-apocalyptic' story,(as the last reviewer erroneously claimed.) It is, however, one possible direction into which modern western societies may be presently regressing. It is a gritty, multi-layered tale, but it is largely about religious ideology as a form of social control.
The story is told with such a sense of exquisite clarity. The sheer pace and mood had me enthralled! It is a vivid, lucid tale, yet richly shrewd and astute. I particularly love the way in which the plot is tantalisingly 'strip-teased' - by flowing back and forth between the present (future) and past (present) Convincingly realistic, profoundly haunting and richly stimulating ... a thoroughly satisfying read!!

Love this book!, 22 Jul 2008
I read this novel for the first time last week and I loved it!! I couldn't put it down!!

Compelling and thought provoking story, 03 Nov 2008
An incredible story that is difficult to describe in a short few sentences. It was certainly a very thought provoking book and I really wanted to discuss it with someone else (excellent choice for a book club!). I was unsure about the ending but on reflection it fits well with the rest of the book and allows for the reader to ponder the story well after finishing reading. Dystopian fiction is not for everyone but if you are at all interested in this genre then this is a brilliant example. Once I'd finished this book I went straight out and bought "Oryx and Crake" - another dystopian story by Atwood.

It doesn't matter what you feel, it only matters how you behave, 23 Sep 2008
What a wonderful book, written in the style of 1984 and Kazuo Ishiguro's Never let me go. I find Margaret Atwood's books hard to put down once I have started them, and cannot believe I only discovered her this year. I didn't read the notes at the end, as I thought they would ruin the chilling atmosphere set by the rest of the book. Moira is one of the best characters for me; she brings a little humour to the situation which is sorely needed. A great read.

How to do theocratic dystopia..., 12 Aug 2008
A truly great book, particular for those who have cold feet about Speculative Fiction (aka Sci Fi). A post-apocalyptic take on loss, resistance, feminism and social order of the patriarchal kind, The Handmaid's Tale avoids both cliche and the pretensions that can often plague even the best of novels with political undertows. I can think of few books which so well capture the sense of radical transformation and dislocation that must come with what someone once called the 'orgasms of history', those decisive events that change utterly social structures and somehow drag individuals along with them, even though people remain dominated by much the same loves and hopes they always were. The evocations of ritual, ceremony and punishment are particularly disturbing and resonant, even viscerally so. And, despite creating a deeply believable metaphor both for those changes that have been and those yet to come, Atwood also accomplishes the 'page turner' quality usually reserved for shallow thrillers. Just shy of being a masterpiece.

A thoroughly satisfying read, 07 Aug 2008
Possibly inspired by Islamic revolutions of the late 1970's - Atwood re-imagines American society in the grip an ultra-conservative, theocracy.
Under this regime, biblical scripture is used to justify hierarchical polygamy. High-caste 'Wives' govern biologically-fertile 'handmaids'- kept purely for procreative breeding, these 'handmaids' are sober, pious and nun-like - but they retain the dangerous allure of 'scarlet women' ... being parodoxically both entrapped and yet empowered by their vital role as surrogate mothers.
This is a post-feminist and matriarchal, but rigidly controlled and totalitarian society. It is NOT a cliched 'post-apocalyptic' story,(as the last reviewer erroneously claimed.) It is, however, one possible direction into which modern western societies may be presently regressing. It is a gritty, multi-layered tale, but it is largely about religious ideology as a form of social control.
The story is told with such a sense of exquisite clarity. The sheer pace and mood had me enthralled! It is a vivid, lucid tale, yet richly shrewd and astute. I particularly love the way in which the plot is tantalisingly 'strip-teased' - by flowing back and forth between the present (future) and past (present) Convincingly realistic, profoundly haunting and richly stimulating ... a thoroughly satisfying read!!

Love this book!, 22 Jul 2008
I read this novel for the first time last week and I loved it!! I couldn't put it down!!

Perfect escapism, 03 Sep 2008
This was a truly enjoyable read, very funny and cosy. I loved the descriptions of the barge and the atmosphere of the harbour. The Dutch background was also very true to life (I lived in The Netherlands for five years). A lovely escape this dreary summer!Finding Margo

'Chick Lit', 26 Jul 2008
Katie Fforde is in my opinion one of the better writers of `chick lit' This is her thirteenth novel and I admit to having read most of them, as her writing has always been enjoyable when I feel the need for some romantic escapism. However I was disappointed with this one as it even lacked a plot just a typical theme, take two very different women Jo and Dora, both sworn off men until they fall for the charms of Marcus and Tom. Neither of the romances felt convincing either, just all rather predictable. I also found more than a few of the comments and use of words irritating such as the over use of `perimenopausal' I think we got the message. As for the description on p114 when Dora was changing for the karaoke did we really need to know about `stray armpit hair' surely quite irrelevant?
The most interesting parts were those about the barge Jo and Dora lived on `The Three Sisters', most especially when it was sailed to Holland.
A pleasant enough read for an afternoon in the sun but not one of Katie Fforde's best, as once again lacking some of the spark of her earlier novels. I have mentioned this fact before in my review of `Practically Perfect' last year.
Maybe I am just outgrowing Katie Fforde, I hope not as I have been reading and enjoying her books since she was first published in 1995.
One last point to be aware of is that the ending comes sooner than expected. Due to the dire habit of the publisher treating us to an extract of the author's next novel. A fairly new practice that personally I find particularly irritating.


A romance too far?, 10 Jul 2008
I am a long-standing fan and have avidly bought and read every book as it comes out. It seems to me the earliest are the best, with wittier, more 'real' heroines and men I want to meet. As KF's popularity has increased, so her characters have become more bland and the books more formulaic - as if she is being 'edited' to fit the generic chick lit market. I was excited by the prospect of an older heroine in Going Dutch, now I am in my 40s, but she (and Dora) lacked depth and complexity. Katie - if you read your reviews - I'd love to see you return to the form of Living Dangerously and Wild Designs, which are my favourites.Going Dutch

A definate miss - do not buy this book if you want romance read, 02 May 2008
Am a through and through romance novel consumist and this book has more or less none of it (except maybe a 50 year old woman having if off with a guy with all the juicy bits being completely overlooked and missed out). Its so frustrating when things don't do what they say on the label (or in this case the cover). It takes me a few days to read a good romance yet this one was dragged out for weeks. At some points the language just got plain annoying, I mean the cover says 'hey am a modern chilled out romance novel' yet the language is smeared with 'golly' 'oh heavens' 'gosh' 'cherub' etc etc... I would recomend this book to the middle classes with a 'proper' way about life and the over 50 ladies. Anyone outside these categories - stay away for your own sake!

Very disappointing, 15 Apr 2008
I was expecting a light, easy-to-read romance and was disappointed by a very weak plot, silly, one-dimensional characters and endless meals and cups of tea.

Compelling and thought provoking story, 03 Nov 2008
An incredible story that is difficult to describe in a short few sentences. It was certainly a very thought provoking book and I really wanted to discuss it with someone else (excellent choice for a book club!). I was unsure about the ending but on reflection it fits well with the rest of the book and allows for the reader to ponder the story well after finishing reading. Dystopian fiction is not for everyone but if you are at all interested in this genre then this is a brilliant example. Once I'd finished this book I went straight out and bought "Oryx and Crake" - another dystopian story by Atwood.

It doesn't matter what you feel, it only matters how you behave, 23 Sep 2008
What a wonderful book, written in the style of 1984 and Kazuo Ishiguro's Never let me go. I find Margaret Atwood's books hard to put down once I have started them, and cannot believe I only discovered her this year. I didn't read the notes at the end, as I thought they would ruin the chilling atmosphere set by the rest of the book. Moira is one of the best characters for me; she brings a little humour to the situation which is sorely needed. A great read.

How to do theocratic dystopia..., 12 Aug 2008
A truly great book, particular for those who have cold feet about Speculative Fiction (aka Sci Fi). A post-apocalyptic take on loss, resistance, feminism and social order of the patriarchal kind, The Handmaid's Tale avoids both cliche and the pretensions that can often plague even the best of novels with political undertows. I can think of few books which so well capture the sense of radical transformation and dislocation that must come with what someone once called the 'orgasms of history', those decisive events that change utterly social structures and somehow drag individuals along with them, even though people remain dominated by much the same loves and hopes they always were. The evocations of ritual, ceremony and punishment are particularly disturbing and resonant, even viscerally so. And, despite creating a deeply believable metaphor both for those changes that have been and those yet to come, Atwood also accomplishes the 'page turner' quality usually reserved for shallow thrillers. Just shy of being a masterpiece.

A thoroughly satisfying read, 07 Aug 2008
Possibly inspired by Islamic revolutions of the late 1970's - Atwood re-imagines American society in the grip an ultra-conservative, theocracy.
Under this regime, biblical scripture is used to justify hierarchical polygamy. High-caste 'Wives' govern biologically-fertile 'handmaids'- kept purely for procreative breeding, these 'handmaids' are sober, pious and nun-like - but they retain the dangerous allure of 'scarlet women' ... being parodoxically both entrapped and yet empowered by their vital role as surrogate mothers.
This is a post-feminist and matriarchal, but rigidly controlled and totalitarian society. It is NOT a cliched 'post-apocalyptic' story,(as the last reviewer erroneously claimed.) It is, however, one possible direction into which modern western societies may be presently regressing. It is a gritty, multi-layered tale, but it is largely about religious ideology as a form of social control.
The story is told with such a sense of exquisite clarity. The sheer pace and mood had me enthralled! It is a vivid, lucid tale, yet richly shrewd and astute. I particularly love the way in which the plot is tantalisingly 'strip-teased' - by flowing back and forth between the present (future) and past (present) Convincingly realistic, profoundly haunting and richly stimulating ... a thoroughly satisfying read!!

Love this book!, 22 Jul 2008
I read this novel for the first time last week and I loved it!! I couldn't put it down!!

Perfect escapism, 03 Sep 2008
This was a truly enjoyable read, very funny and cosy. I loved the descriptions of the barge and the atmosphere of the harbour. The Dutch background was also very true to life (I lived in The Netherlands for five years). A lovely escape this dreary summer!Finding Margo

'Chick Lit', 26 Jul 2008
Katie Fforde is in my opinion one of the better writers of `chick lit' This is her thirteenth novel and I admit to having read most of them, as her writing has always been enjoyable when I feel the need for some romantic escapism. However I was disappointed with this one as it even lacked a plot just a typical theme, take two very different women Jo and Dora, both sworn off men until they fall for the charms of Marcus and Tom. Neither of the romances felt convincing either, just all rather predictable. I also found more than a few of the comments and use of words irritating such as the over use of `perimenopausal' I think we got the message. As for the description on p114 when Dora was changing for the karaoke did we really need to know about `stray armpit hair' surely quite irrelevant?
The most interesting parts were those about the barge Jo and Dora lived on `The Three Sisters', most especially when it was sailed to Holland.
A pleasant enough read for an afternoon in the sun but not one of Katie Fforde's best, as once again lacking some of the spark of her earlier novels. I have mentioned this fact before in my review of `Practically Perfect' last year.
Maybe I am just outgrowing Katie Fforde, I hope not as I have been reading and enjoying her books since she was first published in 1995.
One last point to be aware of is that the ending comes sooner than expected. Due to the dire habit of the publisher treating us to an extract of the author's next novel. A fairly new practice that personally I find particularly irritating.


A romance too far?, 10 Jul 2008
I am a long-standing fan and have avidly bought and read every book as it comes out. It seems to me the earliest are the best, with wittier, more 'real' heroines and men I want to meet. As KF's popularity has increased, so her characters have become more bland and the books more formulaic - as if she is being 'edited' to fit the generic chick lit market. I was excited by the prospect of an older heroine in Going Dutch, now I am in my 40s, but she (and Dora) lacked depth and complexity. Katie - if you read your reviews - I'd love to see you return to the form of Living Dangerously and Wild Designs, which are my favourites.Going Dutch

A definate miss - do not buy this book if you want romance read, 02 May 2008
Am a through and through romance novel consumist and this book has more or less none of it (except maybe a 50 year old woman having if off with a guy with all the juicy bits being completely overlooked and missed out). Its so frustrating when things don't do what they say on the label (or in this case the cover). It takes me a few days to read a good romance yet this one was dragged out for weeks. At some points the language just got plain annoying, I mean the cover says 'hey am a modern chilled out romance novel' yet the language is smeared with 'golly' 'oh heavens' 'gosh' 'cherub' etc etc... I would recomend this book to the middle classes with a 'proper' way about life and the over 50 ladies. Anyone outside these categories - stay away for your own sake!

Very disappointing, 15 Apr 2008
I was expecting a light, easy-to-read romance and was disappointed by a very weak plot, silly, one-dimensional characters and endless meals and cups of tea.

Wolverhampton Libraries LGBT Reading Group Review, 23 Oct 2008
Set in the American South, this heart-warming tale swings through history telling the story of Idgie and her family using first hand narrative, the Weems Weekly gossip-sheet and then the memories of Ninny, Idgie's now elderly sister.

Covering issues such as racial segregation, poverty, domestic violence and murder, Flagg's humourous style makes this an unforgettable book, which the whole group enjoyed.

It is true to say, however, that the lesbian relationship between Idgie and Ruth is never blatantly acknowledged - they could be nothing more than "just good friends".

There are also some recipes included at the end if you fancy cooking fried green tomatoes for yourself! A highly recommended read!

Heart Warming, 20 Jul 2008
This is one of the very few books that left me with a warm fuzzy feeling at its end. I, like most people saw (and loved) the film version first, but i really regret having seen the film first, as the book is quite spectacular in comparison. The book totally immerses you in the wonderful town of whistle-stop, and you find yourself feeling for the protagonist Evelyn Crouch who is such a likable, relatable (is that a word?) character.
BY THE WAY......
i found this quite humourous, but if you watch the film first, when you read the book you can't help but imagining Jessica Tandy (particularly her voice) as old Miss Ninny threadgoode

Southern - fried laughter, 04 May 2008
This is one of the finest novels ever written. I like just about anything dealing with SOUTHERN LITERATURE and this book, along with THE HEART IS A LONELY HUNTER and the hilarious BARRING SOME UNFORESEEN ACCIDENT are just some of my favorites.

FRIED GREEN TOMATOES is a touching story set in the Depression-ear Southern U.S. and is filled with many cultural references and what-nots about that area the people who live there.

The story starts out being told by a woman in a nursing home. When I first heard this idea, I thought, "No way am I going to read this." But it turned out to be one of the best written books I've ever come across.

There is also a companion cookbook (which I'm into lately) that gives some of the actual recipes used in the book and movie. If you want a heart-warming story, this is the place to find it. Fannie Flagg is a great, great storyteller and while parts of FRIED GREEN TOMATOES is disturbing in places, it's also hilarious and true to form, and the ending is worth it all.

Loved it, 11 Jan 2008
This is one of my all time favourite books. It is so chatty and gossipy. The characters seem so lifelike and the plot is excellent. I couldn't put this down. Brilliant.

Heartbreaking and breathtaking, 08 Nov 2007
I saw the movie--twelve times--then decided that I had to read the book. Southern American literature and storytelling has always fascinated me, mainly because they're so good at it, and FRIED GREEN TOMATOES is possibly one of the best examples of this around. The story of friendship between two women (and don't think this is some A THOUSAND SPLENDID SUNS), the book deals with the trials and tribulations that they go through in Depression-era Alabama. Flagg writes from the heart and her portrait of not only the people, but the land and food, are smack on dead center. You can smell the coffee and bacon, taste the pies, and savor the intricate plot and fascinating outcome in this one-of-a-kind book. For those who like Southern American literature, this book is right up there with Toole's CONFEDERACY OF DUNCES and the great and gut-wrenching novel BARK OF THE DOGWOOD. If you like reading about the American South, FGT is the book to have in your collection.

Compelling and thought provoking story, 03 Nov 2008
An incredible story that is difficult to describe in a short few sentences. It was certainly a very thought provoking book and I really wanted to discuss it with someone else (excellent choice for a book club!). I was unsure about the ending but on reflection it fits well with the rest of the book and allows for the reader to ponder the story well after finishing reading. Dystopian fiction is not for everyone but if you are at all interested in this genre then this is a brilliant example. Once I'd finished this book I went straight out and bought "Oryx and Crake" - another dystopian story by Atwood.

It doesn't matter what you feel, it only matters how you behave, 23 Sep 2008
What a wonderful book, written in the style of 1984 and Kazuo Ishiguro's Never let me go. I find Margaret Atwood's books hard to put down once I have started them, and cannot believe I only discovered her this year. I didn't read the notes at the end, as I thought they would ruin the chilling atmosphere set by the rest of the book. Moira is one of the best characters for me; she brings a little humour to the situation which is sorely needed. A great read.

How to do theocratic dystopia..., 12 Aug 2008
A truly great book, particular for those who have cold feet about Speculative Fiction (aka Sci Fi). A post-apocalyptic take on loss, resistance, feminism and social order of the patriarchal kind, The Handmaid's Tale avoids both cliche and the pretensions that can often plague even the best of novels with political undertows. I can think of few books which so well capture the sense of radical transformation and dislocation that must come with what someone once called the 'orgasms of history', those decisive events that change utterly social structures and somehow drag individuals along with them, even though people remain dominated by much the same loves and hopes they always were. The evocations of ritual, ceremony and punishment are particularly disturbing and resonant, even viscerally so. And, despite creating a deeply believable metaphor both for those changes that have been and those yet to come, Atwood also accomplishes the 'page turner' quality usually reserved for shallow thrillers. Just shy of being a masterpiece.

A thoroughly satisfying read, 07 Aug 2008
Possibly inspired by Islamic revolutions of the late 1970's - Atwood re-imagines American society in the grip an ultra-conservative, theocracy.
Under this regime, biblical scripture is used to justify hierarchical polygamy. High-caste 'Wives' govern biologically-fertile 'handmaids'- kept purely for procreative breeding, these 'handmaids' are sober, pious and nun-like - but they retain the dangerous allure of 'scarlet women' ... being parodoxically both entrapped and yet empowered by their vital role as surrogate mothers.
This is a post-feminist and matriarchal, but rigidly controlled and totalitarian society. It is NOT a cliched 'post-apocalyptic' story,(as the last reviewer erroneously claimed.) It is, however, one possible direction into which modern western societies may be presently regressing. It is a gritty, multi-layered tale, but it is largely about religious ideology as a form of social control.
The story is told with such a sense of exquisite clarity. The sheer pace and mood had me enthralled! It is a vivid, lucid tale, yet richly shrewd and astute. I particularly love the way in which the plot is tantalisingly 'strip-teased' - by flowing back and forth between the present (future) and past (present) Convincingly realistic, profoundly haunting and richly stimulating ... a thoroughly satisfying read!!

Love this book!, 22 Jul 2008
I read this novel for the first time last week and I loved it!! I couldn't put it down!!

Perfect escapism, 03 Sep 2008
This was a truly enjoyable read, very funny and cosy. I loved the descriptions of the barge and the atmosphere of the harbour. The Dutch background was also very true to life (I lived in The Netherlands for five years). A lovely escape this dreary summer!Finding Margo

'Chick Lit', 26 Jul 2008
Katie Fforde is in my opinion one of the better writers of `chick lit' This is her thirteenth novel and I admit to having read most of them, as her writing has always been enjoyable when I feel the need for some romantic escapism. However I was disappointed with this one as it even lacked a plot just a typical theme, take two very different women Jo and Dora, both sworn off men until they fall for the charms of Marcus and Tom. Neither of the romances felt convincing either, just all rather predictable. I also found more than a few of the comments and use of words irritating such as the over use of `perimenopausal' I think we got the message. As for the description on p114 when Dora was changing for the karaoke did we really need to know about `stray armpit hair' surely quite irrelevant?
The most interesting parts were those about the barge Jo and Dora lived on `The Three Sisters', most especially when it was sailed to Holland.
A pleasant enough read for an afternoon in the sun but not one of Katie Fforde's best, as once again lacking some of the spark of her earlier novels. I have mentioned this fact before in my review of `Practically Perfect' last year.
Maybe I am just outgrowing Katie Fforde, I hope not as I have been reading and enjoying her books since she was first published in 1995.
One last point to be aware of is that the ending comes sooner than expected. Due to the dire habit of the publisher treating us to an extract of the author's next novel. A fairly new practice that personally I find particularly irritating.


A romance too far?, 10 Jul 2008
I am a long-standing fan and have avidly bought and read every book as it comes out. It seems to me the earliest are the best, with wittier, more 'real' heroines and men I want to meet. As KF's popularity has increased, so her characters have become more bland and the books more formulaic - as if she is being 'edited' to fit the generic chick lit market. I was excited by the prospect of an older heroine in Going Dutch, now I am in my 40s, but she (and Dora) lacked depth and complexity. Katie - if you read your reviews - I'd love to see you return to the form of Living Dangerously and Wild Designs, which are my favourites.Going Dutch

A definate miss - do not buy this book if you want romance read, 02 May 2008
Am a through and through romance novel consumist and this book has more or less none of it (except maybe a 50 year old woman having if off with a guy with all the juicy bits being completely overlooked and missed out). Its so frustrating when things don't do what they say on the label (or in this case the cover). It takes me a few days to read a good romance yet this one was dragged out for weeks. At some points the language just got plain annoying, I mean the cover says 'hey am a modern chilled out romance novel' yet the language is smeared with 'golly' 'oh heavens' 'gosh' 'cherub' etc etc... I would recomend this book to the middle classes with a 'proper' way about life and the over 50 ladies. Anyone outside these categories - stay away for your own sake!

Very disappointing, 15 Apr 2008
I was expecting a light, easy-to-read romance and was disappointed by a very weak plot, silly, one-dimensional characters and endless meals and cups of tea.

Wolverhampton Libraries LGBT Reading Group Review, 23 Oct 2008
Set in the American South, this heart-warming tale swings through history telling the story of Idgie and her family using first hand narrative, the Weems Weekly gossip-sheet and then the memories of Ninny, Idgie's now elderly sister.

Covering issues such as racial segregation, poverty, domestic violence and murder, Flagg's humourous style makes this an unforgettable book, which the whole group enjoyed.

It is true to say, however, that the lesbian relationship between Idgie and Ruth is never blatantly acknowledged - they could be nothing more than "just good friends".

There are also some recipes included at the end if you fancy cooking fried green tomatoes for yourself! A highly recommended read!

Heart Warming, 20 Jul 2008
This is one of the very few books that left me with a warm fuzzy feeling at its end. I, like most people saw (and loved) the film version first, but i really regret having seen the film first, as the book is quite spectacular in comparison. The book totally immerses you in the wonderful town of whistle-stop, and you find yourself feeling for the protagonist Evelyn Crouch who is such a likable, relatable (is that a word?) character.
BY THE WAY......
i found this quite humourous, but if you watch the film first, when you read the book you can't help but imagining Jessica Tandy (particularly her voice) as old Miss Ninny threadgoode

Southern - fried laughter, 04 May 2008
This is one of the finest novels ever written. I like just about anything dealing with SOUTHERN LITERATURE and this book, along with THE HEART IS A LONELY HUNTER and the hilarious BARRING SOME UNFORESEEN ACCIDENT are just some of my favorites.

FRIED GREEN TOMATOES is a touching story set in the Depression-ear Southern U.S. and is filled with many cultural references and what-nots about that area the people who live there.

The story starts out being told by a woman in a nursing home. When I first heard this idea, I thought, "No way am I going to read this." But it turned out to be one of the best written books I've ever come across.

There is also a companion cookbook (which I'm into lately) that gives some of the actual recipes used in the book and movie. If you want a heart-warming story, this is the place to find it. Fannie Flagg is a great, great storyteller and while parts of FRIED GREEN TOMATOES is disturbing in places, it's also hilarious and true to form, and the ending is worth it all.

Loved it, 11 Jan 2008
This is one of my all time favourite books. It is so chatty and gossipy. The characters seem so lifelike and the plot is excellent. I couldn't put this down. Brilliant.

Heartbreaking and breathtaking, 08 Nov 2007
I saw the movie--twelve times--then decided that I had to read the book. Southern American literature and storytelling has always fascinated me, mainly because they're so good at it, and FRIED GREEN TOMATOES is possibly one of the best examples of this around. The story of friendship between two women (and don't think this is some A THOUSAND SPLENDID SUNS), the book deals with the trials and tribulations that they go through in Depression-era Alabama. Flagg writes from the heart and her portrait of not only the people, but the land and food, are smack on dead center. You can smell the coffee and bacon, taste the pies, and savor the intricate plot and fascinating outcome in this one-of-a-kind book. For those who like Southern American literature, this book is right up there with Toole's CONFEDERACY OF DUNCES and the great and gut-wrenching novel BARK OF THE DOGWOOD. If you like reading about the American South, FGT is the book to have in your collection.

Wonderful Book, 25 Mar 2008
One of Vincenzi's best and that takes some beating because I have read and really loved ALL of her books.

This is a tale of family with all its attendant sorrows, joys, avarice, love and betrayal.

It flows along and you really do not want to leave it until you have read it all.

Please read it, especially if you have not read any of her others. I guarantee that you will love it and want to read all the rest.

A Great Discovery, 28 Mar 2001
What a wonderful day it was when I discovered this wonderful author! Old Sins was my first reading by her and I throughly enjoyed the characters and the mystery attached. Since then I have read all of Ms.Vincenzi's books with the excetion of Glimpses which I haven't seen in our bookstores and I'm eagerly awaitng my trip to Miami where I'm hoping to capture No Angel. The reviews were very helpful.

Brilliant, 05 Dec 1999
This is Penny Vincenzi's first novel and what a blockbuster it is! I read this when it first came out and I have gone on to read EVERY book that she has written. An excellent holiday read. Near the end I began to get slightly dissappointed because I thought I had sussed out what was going to happen but Penny brilliantly makes the reader think that but then comes up with something that had never entered your head so it does build up to an excellent climax after all.

Compelling and thought provoking story, 03 Nov 2008
An incredible story that is difficult to describe in a short few sentences. It was certainly a very thought provoking book and I really wanted to discuss it with someone else (excellent choice for a book club!). I was unsure about the ending but on reflection it fits well with the rest of the book and allows for the reader to ponder the story well after finishing reading. Dystopian fiction is not for everyone but if you are at all interested in this genre then this is a brilliant example. Once I'd finished this book I went straight out and bought "Oryx and Crake" - another dystopian story by Atwood.

It doesn't matter what you feel, it only matters how you behave, 23 Sep 2008
What a wonderful book, written in the style of 1984 and Kazuo Ishiguro's Never let me go. I find Margaret Atwood's books hard to put down once I have started them, and cannot believe I only discovered her this year. I didn't read the notes at the end, as I thought they would ruin the chilling atmosphere set by the rest of the book. Moira is one of the best characters for me; she brings a little humour to the situation which is sorely needed. A great read.

How to do theocratic dystopia..., 12 Aug 2008
A truly great book, particular for those who have cold feet about Speculative Fiction (aka Sci Fi). A post-apocalyptic take on loss, resistance, feminism and social order of the patriarchal kind, The Handmaid's Tale avoids both cliche and the pretensions that can often plague even the best of novels with political undertows. I can think of few books which so well capture the sense of radical transformation and dislocation that must come with what someone once called the 'orgasms of history', those decisive events that change utterly social structures and somehow drag individuals along with them, even though people remain dominated by much the same loves and hopes they always were. The evocations of ritual, ceremony and punishment are particularly disturbing and resonant, even viscerally so. And, despite creating a deeply believable metaphor both for those changes that have been and those yet to come, Atwood also accomplishes the 'page turner' quality usually reserved for shallow thrillers. Just shy of being a masterpiece.

A thoroughly satisfying read, 07 Aug 2008
Possibly inspired by Islamic revolutions of the late 1970's - Atwood re-imagines American society in the grip an ultra-conservative, theocracy.
Under this regime, biblical scripture is used to justify hierarchical polygamy. High-caste 'Wives' govern biologically-fertile 'handmaids'- kept purely for procreative breeding, these 'handmaids' are sober, pious and nun-like - but they retain the dangerous allure of 'scarlet women' ... being parodoxically both entrapped and yet empowered by their vital role as surrogate mothers.
This is a post-feminist and matriarchal, but rigidly controlled and totalitarian society. It is NOT a cliched 'post-apocalyptic' story,(as the last reviewer erroneously claimed.) It is, however, one possible direction into which modern western societies may be presently regressing. It is a gritty, multi-layered tale, but it is largely about religious ideology as a form of social control.
The story is told with such a sense of exquisite clarity. The sheer pace and mood had me enthralled! It is a vivid, lucid tale, yet richly shrewd and astute. I particularly love the way in which the plot is tantalisingly 'strip-teased' - by flowing back and forth between the present (future) and past (present) Convincingly realistic, profoundly haunting and richly stimulating ... a thoroughly satisfying read!!

Love this book!, 22 Jul 2008
I read this novel for the first time last week and I loved it!! I couldn't put it down!!

Perfect escapism, 03 Sep 2008
This was a truly enjoyable read, very funny and cosy. I loved the descriptions of the barge and the atmosphere of the harbour. The Dutch background was also very true to life (I lived in The Netherlands for five years). A lovely escape this dreary summer!Finding Margo

'Chick Lit', 26 Jul 2008
Katie Fforde is in my opinion one of the better writers of `chick lit' This is her thirteenth novel and I admit to having read most of them, as her writing has always been enjoyable when I feel the need for some romantic escapism. However I was disappointed with this one as it even lacked a plot just a typical theme, take two very different women Jo and Dora, both sworn off men until they fall for the charms of Marcus and Tom. Neither of the romances felt convincing either, just all rather predictable. I also found more than a few of the comments and use of words irritating such as the over use of `perimenopausal' I think we got the message. As for the description on p114 when Dora was changing for the karaoke did we really need to know about `stray armpit hair' surely quite irrelevant?
The most interesting parts were those about the barge Jo and Dora lived on `The Three Sisters', most especially when it was sailed to Holland.
A pleasant enough read for an afternoon in the sun but not one of Katie Fforde's best, as once again lacking some of the spark of her earlier novels. I have mentioned this fact before in my review of `Practically Perfect' last year.
Maybe I am just outgrowing Katie Fforde, I hope not as I have been reading and enjoying her books since she was first published in 1995.
One last point to be aware of is that the ending comes sooner than expected. Due to the dire habit of the publisher treating us to an extract of the author's next novel. A fairly new practice that personally I find particularly irritating.


A romance too far?, 10 Jul 2008
I am a long-standing fan and have avidly bought and read every book as it comes out. It seems to me the earliest are the best, with wittier, more 'real' heroines and men I want to meet. As KF's popularity has increased, so her characters have become more bland and the books more formulaic - as if she is being 'edited' to fit the generic chick lit market. I was excited by the prospect of an older heroine in Going Dutch, now I am in my 40s, but she (and Dora) lacked depth and complexity. Katie - if you read your reviews - I'd love to see you return to the form of Living Dangerously and Wild Designs, which are my favourites.Going Dutch

A definate miss - do not buy this book if you want romance read, 02 May 2008
Am a through and through romance novel consumist and this book has more or less none of it (except maybe a 50 year old woman having if off with a guy with all the juicy bits being completely overlooked and missed out). Its so frustrating when things don't do what they say on the label (or in this case the cover). It takes me a few days to read a good romance yet this one was dragged out for weeks. At some points the language just got plain annoying, I mean the cover says 'hey am a modern chilled out romance novel' yet the language is smeared with 'golly' 'oh heavens' 'gosh' 'cherub' etc etc... I would recomend this book to the middle classes with a 'proper' way about life and the over 50 ladies. Anyone outside these categories - stay away for your own sake!

Very disappointing, 15 Apr 2008
I was expecting a light, easy-to-read romance and was disappointed by a very weak plot, silly, one-dimensional characters and endless meals and cups of tea.

Wolverhampton Libraries LGBT Reading Group Review, 23 Oct 2008
Set in the American South, this heart-warming tale swings through history telling the story of Idgie and her family using first hand narrative, the Weems Weekly gossip-sheet and then the memories of Ninny, Idgie's now elderly sister.

Covering issues such as racial segregation, poverty, domestic violence and murder, Flagg's humourous style makes this an unforgettable book, which the whole group enjoyed.

It is true to say, however, that the lesbian relationship between Idgie and Ruth is never blatantly acknowledged - they could be nothing more than "just good friends".

There are also some recipes included at the end if you fancy cooking fried green tomatoes for yourself! A highly recommended read!

Heart Warming, 20 Jul 2008
This is one of the very few books that left me with a warm fuzzy feeling at its end. I, like most people saw (and loved) the film version first, but i really regret having seen the film first, as the book is quite spectacular in comparison. The book totally immerses you in the wonderful town of whistle-stop, and you find yourself feeling for the protagonist Evelyn Crouch who is such a likable, relatable (is that a word?) character.
BY THE WAY......
i found this quite humourous, but if you watch the film first, when you read the book you can't help but imagining Jessica Tandy (particularly her voice) as old Miss Ninny threadgoode

Southern - fried laughter, 04 May 2008
This is one of the finest novels ever written. I like just about anything dealing with SOUTHERN LITERATURE and this book, along with THE HEART IS A LONELY HUNTER and the hilarious BARRING SOME UNFORESEEN ACCIDENT are just some of my favorites.

FRIED GREEN TOMATOES is a touching story set in the Depression-ear Southern U.S. and is filled with many cultural references and what-nots about that area the people who live there.

The story starts out being told by a woman in a nursing home. When I first heard this idea, I thought, "No way am I going to read this." But it turned out to be one of the best written books I've ever come across.

There is also a companion cookbook (which I'm into lately) that gives some of the actual recipes used in the book and movie. If you want a heart-warming story, this is the place to find it. Fannie Flagg is a great, great storyteller and while parts of FRIED GREEN TOMATOES is disturbing in places, it's also hilarious and true to form, and the ending is worth it all.

Loved it, 11 Jan 2008
This is one of my all time favourite books. It is so chatty and gossipy. The characters seem so lifelike and the plot is excellent. I couldn't put this down. Brilliant.

Heartbreaking and breathtaking, 08 Nov 2007
I saw the movie--twelve times--then decided that I had to read the book. Southern American literature and storytelling has always fascinated me, mainly because they're so good at it, and FRIED GREEN TOMATOES is possibly one of the best examples of this around. The story of friendship between two women (and don't think this is some A THOUSAND SPLENDID SUNS), the book deals with the trials and tribulations that they go through in Depression-era Alabama. Flagg writes from the heart and her portrait of not only the people, but the land and food, are smack on dead center. You can smell the coffee and bacon, taste the pies, and savor the intricate plot and fascinating outcome in this one-of-a-kind book. For those who like Southern American literature, this book is right up there with Toole's CONFEDERACY OF DUNCES and the great and gut-wrenching novel BARK OF THE DOGWOOD. If you like reading about the American South, FGT is the book to have in your collection.

Wonderful Book, 25 Mar 2008
One of Vincenzi's best and that takes some beating because I have read and really loved ALL of her books.

This is a tale of family with all its attendant sorrows, joys, avarice, love and betrayal.

It flows along and you really do not want to leave it until you have read it all.

Please read it, especially if you have not read any of her others. I guarantee that you will love it and want to read all the rest.

A Great Discovery, 28 Mar 2001
What a wonderful day it was when I discovered this wonderful author! Old Sins was my first reading by her and I throughly enjoyed the characters and the mystery attached. Since then I have read all of Ms.Vincenzi's books with the excetion of Glimpses which I haven't seen in our bookstores and I'm eagerly awaitng my trip to Miami where I'm hoping to capture No Angel. The reviews were very helpful.

Brilliant, 05 Dec 1999
This is Penny Vincenzi's first novel and what a blockbuster it is! I read this when it first came out and I have gone on to read EVERY book that she has written. An excellent holiday read. Near the end I began to get slightly dissappointed because I thought I had sussed out what was going to happen but Penny brilliantly makes the reader think that but then comes up with something that had never entered your head so it does build up to an excellent climax after all.

Must read, 30 May 2008
One of the nicest books I have read in years, no one thing I could complain about, except to say it just wasn't long enough.

enjoyable slush, 04 Nov 2007
This is a very simply written book. It is twee and sugary sweet but I really enjoyed it. It made me feel cosy. It is lovely to read at Christmas.

The perfect light read, 24 Dec 2006
As much as I hate the term "heart-warming" I can't help but use it to describe this delightfully charming tale set in rural Alabama.

Peppered with plenty of kooky characters -- four widows, a couple of bachelors, a crippled girl and a tame bird -- and a simple plot -- 52-year-old city man with only a few months to live moves to warmer climes and gains a second chance at life, while a young girl abandoned by her trailer-trash family falls in love with a red cardinal and is "adopted" by a local woman -- A Redbird Christmas is a gentle read that won't tax your brain matter.

Sure, it's a little on the sweet side -- the epilogue is particularly heavy-handed in the saccharine department -- but overall it's the perfect antidote for the busy yuletide season. Mind you, this novel isn't overly Christmassy, so would make an ideal light read for any time of year.

Warm & cosy, 02 Sep 2006
I read this book and couldn't put it down. From the moment I started it I fell in love with the characters and felt like I knew the places where they lived. It's a real feel good, warm & cosy book. Everyone I've lent it to loves it too. This book turned me into a Fannie Flagg fan!

A WARM HUG BOOK, 10 May 2006
WHAT CAN I SAY ABOUT THIS BEAUTIFUL BOOK THE FRONT COVER ALONE IS SOMETHING TO SAVOUR. FROM THE VERY FIRST PARAGRAPH I WAS TRANSPORTED TO A MAGICAL PLACE, THIS BOOK WILL LEAVE YOU NOT WANTING TO PUT IT DOWN TILL THE LAST PAGE,AND THEN YOU ARE WANTING MORE.
FIVE OF MY FREINDS ARE SMITTEN WITH IT TOO AS I HAVE PASSED IT ROUND
LOST RIVER ALAHBAMA IS ONE PLACE I WOULD LOVE TO LIVE.

Compelling and thought provoking story, 03 Nov 2008
An incredible story that is difficult to describe in a short few sentences. It was certainly a very thought provoking book and I really wanted to discuss it with someone else (excellent choice for a book club!). I was unsure about the ending but on reflection it fits well with the rest of the book and allows for the reader to ponder the story well after finishing reading. Dystopian fiction is not for everyone but if you are at all interested in this genre then this is a brilliant example. Once I'd finished this book I went straight out and bought "Oryx and Crake" - another dystopian story by Atwood.

It doesn't matter what you feel, it only matters how you behave, 23 Sep 2008
What a wonderful book, written in the style of 1984 and Kazuo Ishiguro's Never let me go. I find Margaret Atwood's books hard to put down once I have started them, and cannot believe I only discovered her this year. I didn't read the notes at the end, as I thought they would ruin the chilling atmosphere set by the rest of the book. Moira is one of the best characters for me; she brings a little humour to the situation which is sorely needed. A great read.

How to do theocratic dystopia..., 12 Aug 2008
A truly great book, particular for those who have cold feet about Speculative Fiction (aka Sci Fi). A post-apocalyptic take on loss, resistance, feminism and social order of the patriarchal kind, The Handmaid's Tale avoids both cliche and the pretensions that can often plague even the best of novels with political undertows. I can think of few books which so well capture the sense of radical transformation and dislocation that must come with what someone once called the 'orgasms of history', those decisive events that change utterly social structures and somehow drag individuals along with them, even though people remain dominated by much the same loves and hopes they always were. The evocations of ritual, ceremony and punishment are particularly disturbing and resonant, even viscerally so. And, despite creating a deeply believable metaphor both for those changes that have been and those yet to come, Atwood also accomplishes the 'page turner' quality usually reserved for shallow thrillers. Just shy of being a masterpiece.

A thoroughly satisfying read, 07 Aug 2008
Possibly inspired by Islamic revolutions of the late 1970's - Atwood re-imagines American society in the grip an ultra-conservative, theocracy.
Under this regime, biblical scripture is used to justify hierarchical polygamy. High-caste 'Wives' govern biologically-fertile 'handmaids'- kept purely for procreative breeding, these 'handmaids' are sober, pious and nun-like - but they retain the dangerous allure of 'scarlet women' ... being parodoxically both entrapped and yet empowered by their vital role as surrogate mothers.
This is a post-feminist and matriarchal, but rigidly controlled and totalitarian society. It is NOT a cliched 'post-apocalyptic' story,(as the last reviewer erroneously claimed.) It is, however, one possible direction into which modern western societies may be presently regressing. It is a gritty, multi-layered tale, but it is largely about religious ideology as a form of social control.
The story is told with such a sense of exquisite clarity. The sheer pace and mood had me enthralled! It is a vivid, lucid tale, yet richly shrewd and astute. I particularly love the way in which the plot is tantalisingly 'strip-teased' - by flowing back and forth between the present (future) and past (present) Convincingly realistic, profoundly haunting and richly stimulating ... a thoroughly satisfying read!!

Love this book!, 22 Jul 2008
I read this novel for the first time last week and I loved it!! I couldn't put it down!!

Perfect escapism, 03 Sep 2008
This was a truly enjoyable read, very funny and cosy. I loved the descriptions of the barge and the atmosphere of the harbour. The Dutch background was also very true to life (I lived in The Netherlands for five years). A lovely escape this dreary summer!Finding Margo

'Chick Lit', 26 Jul 2008
Katie Fforde is in my opinion one of the better writers of `chick lit' This is her thirteenth novel and I admit to having read most of them, as her writing has always been enjoyable when I feel the need for some romantic escapism. However I was disappointed with this one as it even lacked a plot just a typical theme, take two very different women Jo and Dora, both sworn off men until they fall for the charms of Marcus and Tom. Neither of the romances felt convincing either, just all rather predictable. I also found more than a few of the comments and use of words irritating such as the over use of `perimenopausal' I think we got the message. As for the description on p114 when Dora was changing for the karaoke did we really need to know about `stray armpit hair' surely quite irrelevant?
The most interesting parts were those about the barge Jo and Dora lived on `The Three Sisters', most especially when it was sailed to Holland.
A pleasant enough read for an afternoon in the sun but not one of Katie Fforde's best, as once again lacking some of the spark of her earlier novels. I have mentioned this fact before in my review of `Practically Perfect' last year.
Maybe I am just outgrowing Katie Fforde, I hope not as I have been reading and enjoying her books since she was first published in 1995.
One last point to be aware of is that the ending comes sooner than expected. Due to the dire habit of the publisher treating us to an extract of the author's next novel. A fairly new practice that personally I find particularly irritating.


A romance too far?, 10 Jul 2008
I am a long-standing fan and have avidly bought and read every book as it comes out. It seems to me the earliest are the best, with wittier, more 'real' heroines and men I want to meet. As KF's popularity has increased, so her characters have become more bland and the books more formulaic - as if she is being 'edited' to fit the generic chick lit market. I was excited by the prospect of an older heroine in Going Dutch, now I am in my 40s, but she (and Dora) lacked depth and complexity. Katie - if you read your reviews - I'd love to see you return to the form of Living Dangerously and Wild Designs, which are my favourites.Going Dutch

A definate miss - do not buy this book if you want romance read, 02 May 2008
Am a through and through romance novel consumist and this book has more or less none of it (except maybe a 50 year old woman having if off with a guy with all the juicy bits being completely overlooked and missed out). Its so frustrating when things don't do what they say on the label (or in this case the cover). It takes me a few days to read a good romance yet this one was dragged out for weeks. At some points the language just got plain annoying, I mean the cover says 'hey am a modern chilled out romance novel' yet the language is smeared with 'golly' 'oh heavens' 'gosh' 'cherub' etc etc... I would recomend this book to the middle classes with a 'proper' way about life and the over 50 ladies. Anyone outside these categories - stay away for your own sake!

Very disappointing, 15 Apr 2008
I was expecting a light, easy-to-read romance and was disappointed by a very weak plot, silly, one-dimensional characters and endless meals and cups of tea.

Wolverhampton Libraries LGBT Reading Group Review, 23 Oct 2008
Set in the American South, this heart-warming tale swings through history telling the story of Idgie and her family using first hand narrative, the Weems Weekly gossip-sheet and then the memories of Ninny, Idgie's now elderly sister.

Covering issues such as racial segregation, poverty, domestic violence and murder, Flagg's humourous style makes this an unforgettable book, which the whole group enjoyed.

It is true to say, however, that the lesbian relationship between Idgie and Ruth is never blatantly acknowledged - they could be nothing more than "just good friends".

There are also some recipes included at the end if you fancy cooking fried green tomatoes for yourself! A highly recommended read!

Heart Warming, 20 Jul 2008
This is one of the very few books that left me with a warm fuzzy feeling at its end. I, like most people saw (and loved) the film version first, but i really regret having seen the film first, as the book is quite spectacular in comparison. The book totally immerses you in the wonderful town of whistle-stop, and you find yourself feeling for the protagonist Evelyn Crouch who is such a likable, relatable (is that a word?) character.
BY THE WAY......
i found this quite humourous, but if you watch the film first, when you read the book you can't help but imagining Jessica Tandy (particularly her voice) as old Miss Ninny threadgoode

Southern - fried laughter, 04 May 2008
This is one of the finest novels ever written. I like just about anything dealing with SOUTHERN LITERATURE and this book, along with THE HEART IS A LONELY HUNTER and the hilarious BARRING SOME UNFORESEEN ACCIDENT are just some of my favorites.

FRIED GREEN TOMATOES is a touching story set in the Depression-ear Southern U.S. and is filled with many cultural references and what-nots about that area the people who live there.

The story starts out being told by a woman in a nursing home. When I first heard this idea, I thought, "No way am I going to read this." But it turned out to be one of the best written books I've ever come across.

There is also a companion cookbook (which I'm into lately) that gives some of the actual recipes used in the book and movie. If you want a heart-warming story, this is the place to find it. Fannie Flagg is a great, great storyteller and while parts of FRIED GREEN TOMATOES is disturbing in places, it's also hilarious and true to form, and the ending is worth it all.

Loved it, 11 Jan 2008
This is one of my all time favourite books. It is so chatty and gossipy. The characters seem so lifelike and the plot is excellent. I couldn't put this down. Brilliant.

Heartbreaking and breathtaking, 08 Nov 2007
I saw the movie--twelve times--then decided that I had to read the book. Southern American literature and storytelling has always fascinated me, mainly because they're so good at it, and FRIED GREEN TOMATOES is possibly one of the best examples of this around. The story of friendship between two women (and don't think this is some A THOUSAND SPLENDID SUNS), the book deals with the trials and tribulations that they go through in Depression-era Alabama. Flagg writes from the heart and her portrait of not only the people, but the land and food, are smack on dead center. You can smell the coffee and bacon, taste the pies, and savor the intricate plot and fascinating outcome in this one-of-a-kind book. For those who like Southern American literature, this book is right up there with Toole's CONFEDERACY OF DUNCES and the great and gut-wrenching novel BARK OF THE DOGWOOD. If you like reading about the American South, FGT is the book to have in your collection.

Wonderful Book, 25 Mar 2008
One of Vincenzi's best and that takes some beating because I have read and really loved ALL of her books.

This is a tale of family with all its attendant sorrows, joys, avarice, love and betrayal.

It flows along and you really do not want to leave it until you have read it all.

Please read it, especially if you have not read any of her others. I guarantee that you will love it and want to read all the rest.

A Great Discovery, 28 Mar 2001
What a wonderful day it was when I discovered this wonderful author! Old Sins was my first reading by her and I throughly enjoyed the characters and the mystery attached. Since then I have read all of Ms.Vincenzi's books with the excetion of Glimpses which I haven't seen in our bookstores and I'm eagerly awaitng my trip to Miami where I'm hoping to capture No Angel. The reviews were very helpful.

Brilliant, 05 Dec 1999
This is Penny Vincenzi's first novel and what a blockbuster it is! I read this when it first came out and I have gone on to read EVERY book that she has written. An excellent holiday read. Near the end I began to get slightly dissappointed because I thought I had sussed out what was going to happen but Penny brilliantly makes the reader think that but then comes up with something that had never entered your head so it does build up to an excellent climax after all.

Must read, 30 May 2008
One of the nicest books I have read in years, no one thing I could complain about, except to say it just wasn't long enough.

enjoyable slush, 04 Nov 2007
This is a very simply written book. It is twee and sugary sweet but I really enjoyed it. It made me feel cosy. It is lovely to read at Christmas.

The perfect light read, 24 Dec 2006
As much as I hate the term "heart-warming" I can't help but use it to describe this delightfully charming tale set in rural Alabama.

Peppered with plenty of kooky characters -- four widows, a couple of bachelors, a crippled girl and a tame bird -- and a simple plot -- 52-year-old city man with only a few months to live moves to warmer climes and gains a second chance at life, while a young girl abandoned by her trailer-trash family falls in love with a red cardinal and is "adopted" by a local woman -- A Redbird Christmas is a gentle read that won't tax your brain matter.

Sure, it's a little on the sweet side -- the epilogue is particularly heavy-handed in the saccharine department -- but overall it's the perfect antidote for the busy yuletide season. Mind you, this novel isn't overly Christmassy, so would make an ideal light read for any time of year.

Warm & cosy, 02 Sep 2006
I read this book and couldn't put it down. From the moment I started it I fell in love with the characters and felt like I knew the places where they lived. It's a real feel good, warm & cosy book. Everyone I've lent it to loves it too. This book turned me into a Fannie Flagg fan!

A WARM HUG BOOK, 10 May 2006
WHAT CAN I SAY ABOUT THIS BEAUTIFUL BOOK THE FRONT COVER ALONE IS SOMETHING TO SAVOUR. FROM THE VERY FIRST PARAGRAPH I WAS TRANSPORTED TO A MAGICAL PLACE, THIS BOOK WILL LEAVE YOU NOT WANTING TO PUT IT DOWN TILL THE LAST PAGE,AND THEN YOU ARE WANTING MORE.
FIVE OF MY FREINDS ARE SMITTEN WITH IT TOO AS I HAVE PASSED IT ROUND
LOST RIVER ALAHBAMA IS ONE PLACE I WOULD LOVE TO LIVE.

i give to charity!!!!, 20 Jun 2007
what an amazing book. i read this book about 10 years ago and loved it so much that i could not put it down and all these years later it is still doing the rounds of friends and family. become transported to the swinging 60's of london town and you will become so encaptured with charity's life you will think you are living it along with her. you will not be able to put it down. highly recommended and you will not be able to stop at just this book, all her others are just as good however this rates as my favourite. any paullina simons and belinda alexander fans will LOVE lesley pearse!

An excellent read, 05 Sep 2006
This book had me engrossed from the start, it was so hard to put down at times. I really felt for Charity, from the start of the book, she went through so much and all the time she never once stopped loving her brothers and sister. I cried at some parts, especially when she had to give up her baby for adoption, but she did that because of the love she had for him. A well written book from start to finish. I am going to read "Secrets" next and I've read from the reviews that this book is just as good as all the others. I haven't read one of Ms Pearce's books yet which has disappointed me.

Excellent Read!!!, 29 Aug 2006
I read this book on my hols and could hardly bear to put it down!!! My husband kept calling me a book worm!!! Well worth a read. This is the 3rd Lesley Pearse book I have read and it will definetely not be the last. Invest today!!!!

My review for Charity, 07 Nov 2005
i recently read this book as a recommendation from my mum. the book was brilliant all of the way through - once i had got into it i was absorbed and could not put it down! i was even finishing it using only the light of my phone one night. i felt sad to have to finish the book, it was the first book by Lesley Pearse that i read and i hope that all of the others are as good!

A real page turner, 03 Jan 2005
This is an excellent read, a real page turner then again which one of Lesley Pearse's book is not.

Compelling and thought provoking story, 03 Nov 2008
An incredible story that is difficult to describe in a short few sentences. It was certainly a very thought provoking book and I really wanted to discuss it with someone else (excellent choice for a book club!). I was unsure about the ending but on reflection it fits well with the rest of the book and allows for the reader to ponder the story well after finishing reading. Dystopian fiction is not for everyone but if you are at all interested in this genre then this is a brilliant example. Once I'd finished this book I went straight out and bought "Oryx and Crake" - another dystopian story by Atwood.

It doesn't matter what you feel, it only matters how you behave, 23 Sep 2008
What a wonderful book, written in the style of 1984 and Kazuo Ishiguro's Never let me go. I find Margaret Atwood's books hard to put down once I have started them, and cannot believe I only discovered her this year. I didn't read the notes at the end, as I thought they would ruin the chilling atmosphere set by the rest of the book. Moira is one of the best characters for me; she brings a little humour to the situation which is sorely needed. A great read.

How to do theocratic dystopia..., 12 Aug 2008
A truly great book, particular for those who have cold feet about Speculative Fiction (aka Sci Fi). A post-apocalyptic take on loss, resistance, feminism and social order of the patriarchal kind, The Handmaid's Tale avoids both cliche and the pretensions that can often plague even the best of novels with political undertows. I can think of few books which so well capture the sense of radical transformation and dislocation that must come with what someone once called the 'orgasms of history', those decisive events that change utterly social structures and somehow drag individuals along with them, even though people remain dominated by much the same loves and hopes they always were. The evocations of ritual, ceremony and punishment are particularly disturbing and resonant, even viscerally so. And, despite creating a deeply believable metaphor both for those changes that have been and those yet to come, Atwood also accomplishes the 'page turner' quality usually reserved for shallow thrillers. Just shy of being a masterpiece.

A thoroughly satisfying read, 07 Aug 2008
Possibly inspired by Islamic revolutions of the late 1970's - Atwood re-imagines American society in the grip an ultra-conservative, theocracy.
Under this regime, biblical scripture is used to justify hierarchical polygamy. High-caste 'Wives' govern biologically-fertile 'handmaids'- kept purely for procreative breeding, these 'handmaids' are sober, pious and nun-like - but they retain the dangerous allure of 'scarlet women' ... being parodoxically both entrapped and yet empowered by their vital role as surrogate mothers.
This is a post-feminist and matriarchal, but rigidly controlled and totalitarian society. It is NOT a cliched 'post-apocalyptic' story,(as the last reviewer erroneously claimed.) It is, however, one possible direction into which modern western societies may be presently regressing. It is a gritty, multi-layered tale, but it is largely about religious ideology as a form of social control.
The story is told with such a sense of exquisite clarity. The sheer pace and mood had me enthralled! It is a vivid, lucid tale, yet richly shrewd and astute. I particularly love the way in which the plot is tantalisingly 'strip-teased' - by flowing back and forth between the present (future) and past (present) Convincingly realistic, profoundly haunting and richly stimulating ... a thoroughly satisfying read!!

Love this book!, 22 Jul 2008
I read this novel for the first time last week and I loved it!! I couldn't put it down!!

Perfect escapism, 03 Sep 2008
This was a truly enjoyable read, very funny and cosy. I loved the descriptions of the barge and the atmosphere of the harbour. The Dutch background was also very true to life (I lived in The Netherlands for five years). A lovely escape this dreary summer!Finding Margo

'Chick Lit', 26 Jul 2008
Katie Fforde is in my opinion one of the better writers of `chick lit' This is her thirteenth novel and I admit to having read most of them, as her writing has always been enjoyable when I feel the need for some romantic escapism. However I was disappointed with this one as it even lacked a plot just a typical theme, take two very different women Jo and Dora, both sworn off men until they fall for the charms of Marcus and Tom. Neither of the romances felt convincing either, just all rather predictable. I also found more than a few of the comments and use of words irritating such as the over use of `perimenopausal' I think we got the message. As for the description on p114 when Dora was changing for the karaoke did we really need to know about `stray armpit hair' surely quite irrelevant?
The most interesting parts were those about the barge Jo and Dora lived on `The Three Sisters', most especially when it was sailed to Holland.
A pleasant enough read for an afternoon in the sun but not one of Katie Fforde's best, as once again lacking some of the spark of her earlier novels. I have mentioned this fact before in my review of `Practically Perfect' last year.
Maybe I am just outgrowing Katie Fforde, I hope not as I have been reading and enjoying her books since she was first published in 1995.
One last point to be aware of is that the ending comes sooner than expected. Due to the dire habit of the publisher treating us to an extract of the author's next novel. A fairly new practice that personally I find particularly irritating.


A romance too far?, 10 Jul 2008
I am a long-standing fan and have avidly bought and read every book as it comes out. It seems to me the earliest are the best, with wittier, more 'real' heroines and men I want to meet. As KF's popularity has increased, so her characters have become more bland and the books more formulaic - as if she is being 'edited' to fit the generic chick lit market. I was excited by the prospect of an older heroine in Going Dutch, now I am in my 40s, but she (and Dora) lacked depth and complexity. Katie - if you read your reviews - I'd love to see you return to the form of Living Dangerously and Wild Designs, which are my favourites.Going Dutch

A definate miss - do not buy this book if you want romance read, 02 May 2008
Am a through and through romance novel consumist and this book has more or less none of it (except maybe a 50 year old woman having if off with a guy with all the juicy bits being completely overlooked and missed out). Its so frustrating when things don't do what they say on the label (or in this case the cover). It takes me a few days to read a good romance yet this one was dragged out for weeks. At some points the language just got plain annoying, I mean the cover says 'hey am a modern chilled out romance novel' yet the language is smeared with 'golly' 'oh heavens' 'gosh' 'cherub' etc etc... I would recomend this book to the middle classes with a 'proper' way about life and the over 50 ladies. Anyone outside these categories - stay away for your own sake!

Very disappointing, 15 Apr 2008
I was expecting a light, easy-to-read romance and was disappointed by a very weak plot, silly, one-dimensional characters and endless meals and cups of tea.

Wolverhampton Libraries LGBT Reading Group Review, 23 Oct 2008
Set in the American South, this heart-warming tale swings through history telling the story of Idgie and her family using first hand narrative, the Weems Weekly gossip-sheet and then the memories of Ninny, Idgie's now elderly sister.

Covering issues such as racial segregation, poverty, domestic violence and murder, Flagg's humourous style makes this an unforgettable book, which the whole group enjoyed.

It is true to say, however, that the lesbian relationship between Idgie and Ruth is never blatantly acknowledged - they could be nothing more than "just good friends".

There are also some recipes included at the end if you fancy cooking fried green tomatoes for yourself! A highly recommended read!

Heart Warming, 20 Jul 2008
This is one of the very few books that left me with a warm fuzzy feeling at its end. I, like most people saw (and loved) the film version first, but i really regret having seen the film first, as the book is quite spectacular in comparison. The book totally immerses you in the wonderful town of whistle-stop, and you find yourself feeling for the protagonist Evelyn Crouch who is such a likable, relatable (is that a word?) character.
BY THE WAY......
i found this quite humourous, but if you watch the film first, when you read the book you can't help but imagining Jessica Tandy (particularly her voice) as old Miss Ninny threadgoode

Southern - fried laughter, 04 May 2008
This is one of the finest novels ever written. I like just about anything dealing with SOUTHERN LITERATURE and this book, along with THE HEART IS A LONELY HUNTER and the hilarious BARRING SOME UNFORESEEN ACCIDENT are just some of my favorites.

FRIED GREEN TOMATOES is a touching story set in the Depression-ear Southern U.S. and is filled with many cultural references and what-nots about that area the people who live there.

The story starts out being told by a woman in a nursing home. When I first heard this idea, I thought, "No way am I going to read this." But it turned out to be one of the best written books I've ever come across.

There is also a companion cookbook (which I'm into lately) that gives some of the actual recipes used in the book and movie. If you want a heart-warming story, this is the place to find it. Fannie Flagg is a great, great storyteller and while parts of FRIED GREEN TOMATOES is disturbing in places, it's also hilarious and true to form, and the ending is worth it all.

Loved it, 11 Jan 2008
This is one of my all time favourite books. It is so chatty and gossipy. The characters seem so lifelike and the plot is excellent. I couldn't put this down. Brilliant.

Heartbreaking and breathtaking, 08 Nov 2007
I saw the movie--twelve times--then decided that I had to read the book. Southern American literature and storytelling has always fascinated me, mainly because they're so good at it, and FRIED GREEN TOMATOES is possibly one of the best examples of this around. The story of friendship between two women (and don't think this is some A THOUSAND SPLENDID SUNS), the book deals with the trials and tribulations that they go through in Depression-era Alabama. Flagg writes from the heart and her portrait of not only the people, but the land and food, are smack on dead center. You can smell the coffee and bacon, taste the pies, and savor the intricate plot and fascinating outcome in this one-of-a-kind book. For those who like Southern American literature, this book is right up there with Toole's CONFEDERACY OF DUNCES and the great and gut-wrenching novel BARK OF THE DOGWOOD. If you like reading about the American South, FGT is the book to have in your collection.

Wonderful Book, 25 Mar 2008
One of Vincenzi's best and that takes some beating because I have read and really loved ALL of her books.

This is a tale of family with all its attendant sorrows, joys, avarice, love and betrayal.

It flows along and you really do not want to leave it until you have read it all.

Please read it, especially if you have not read any of her others. I guarantee that you will love it and want to read all the rest.

A Great Discovery, 28 Mar 2001
What a wonderful day it was when I discovered this wonderful author! Old Sins was my first reading by her and I throughly enjoyed the characters and the mystery attached. Since then I have read all of Ms.Vincenzi's books with the excetion of Glimpses which I haven't seen in our bookstores and I'm eagerly awaitng my trip to Miami where I'm hoping to capture No Angel. The reviews were very helpful.

Brilliant, 05 Dec 1999
This is Penny Vincenzi's first novel and what a blockbuster it is! I read this when it first came out and I have gone on to read EVERY book that she has written. An excellent holiday read. Near the end I began to get slightly dissappointed because I thought I had sussed out what was going to happen but Penny brilliantly makes the reader think that but then comes up with something that had never entered your head so it does build up to an excellent climax after all.

Must read, 30 May 2008
One of the nicest books I have read in years, no one thing I could complain about, except to say it just wasn't long enough.

enjoyable slush, 04 Nov 2007
This is a very simply written book. It is twee and sugary sweet but I really enjoyed it. It made me feel cosy. It is lovely to read at Christmas.

The perfect light read, 24 Dec 2006
As much as I hate the term "heart-warming" I can't help but use it to describe this delightfully charming tale set in rural Alabama.

Peppered with plenty of kooky characters -- four widows, a couple of bachelors, a crippled girl and a tame bird -- and a simple plot -- 52-year-old city man with only a few months to live moves to warmer climes and gains a second chance at life, while a young girl abandoned by her trailer-trash family falls in love with a red cardinal and is "adopted" by a local woman -- A Redbird Christmas is a gentle read that won't tax your brain matter.

Sure, it's a little on the sweet side -- the epilogue is particularly heavy-handed in the saccharine department -- but overall it's the perfect antidote for the busy yuletide season. Mind you, this novel isn't overly Christmassy, so would make an ideal light read for any time of year.

Warm & cosy, 02 Sep 2006
I read this book and couldn't put it down. From the moment I started it I fell in love with the characters and felt like I knew the places where they lived. It's a real feel good, warm & cosy book. Everyone I've lent it to loves it too. This book turned me into a Fannie Flagg fan!

A WARM HUG BOOK, 10 May 2006
WHAT CAN I SAY ABOUT THIS BEAUTIFUL BOOK THE FRONT COVER ALONE IS SOMETHING TO SAVOUR. FROM THE VERY FIRST PARAGRAPH I WAS TRANSPORTED TO A MAGICAL PLACE, THIS BOOK WILL LEAVE YOU NOT WANTING TO PUT IT DOWN TILL THE LAST PAGE,AND THEN YOU ARE WANTING MORE.
FIVE OF MY FREINDS ARE SMITTEN WITH IT TOO AS I HAVE PASSED IT ROUND
LOST RIVER ALAHBAMA IS ONE PLACE I WOULD LOVE TO LIVE.

i give to charity!!!!, 20 Jun 2007
what an amazing book. i read this book about 10 years ago and loved it so much that i could not put it down and all these years later it is still doing the rounds of friends and family. become transported to the swinging 60's of london town and you will become so encaptured with charity's life you will think you are living it along with her. you will not be able to put it down. highly recommended and you will not be able to stop at just this book, all her others are just as good however this rates as my favourite. any paullina simons and belinda alexander fans will LOVE lesley pearse!

An excellent read, 05 Sep 2006
This book had me engrossed from the start, it was so hard to put down at times. I really felt for Charity, from the start of the book, she went through so much and all the time she never once stopped loving her brothers and sister. I cried at some parts, especially when she had to give up her baby for adoption, but she did that because of the love she had for him. A well written book from start to finish. I am going to read "Secrets" next and I've read from the reviews that this book is just as good as all the others. I haven't read one of Ms Pearce's books yet which has disappointed me.

Excellent Read!!!, 29 Aug 2006
I read this book on my hols and could hardly bear to put it down!!! My husband kept calling me a book worm!!! Well worth a read. This is the 3rd Lesley Pearse book I have read and it will definetely not be the last. Invest today!!!!

My review for Charity, 07 Nov 2005
i recently read this book as a recommendation from my mum. the book was brilliant all of the way through - once i had got into it i was absorbed and could not put it down! i was even finishing it using only the light of my phone one night. i felt sad to have to finish the book, it was the first book by Lesley Pearse that i read and i hope that all of the others are as good!

A real page turner, 03 Jan 2005
This is an excellent read, a real page turner then again which one of Lesley Pearse's book is not.

OK, but not the best of Nathan In My Opinion, 04 May 2008
I found the relationship between Annie and her hero pretty engrossing, but Annie bothered me a bit. I guess I would have hoped her to be a bit more like Anne in Jane Austen's 'Persuasion'(of which this is a kind of a modernization). Maybe it's silly to be so critical of a fictional character, but her recless driving and the fact that she didn't always seem that concerned about other people's safety bothered me. That's kind of a pet peeve of mine, so maybe that's why I didn't like that. Anyway, if one wants some escapism, I think this novel is to be recommended. :)

Spare me the Critics, 18 Apr 2008
This is my favourite one out of all of the books.

I can't be doing with people who actually take chic-lit seriously and come over all "Edger Allan Poe" - chic-lit is what it is - something to take you away for an enjoyable break from real life - can you really beat a rainy afternoon and a good book - It's not real you know folks!

she was amazing, 01 Jan 2008
i have read every book that melissa wrote i could get hold of, including shorter stories in anthologies. i was so sad to hear that she has in fact died. she was an amazing woman and her husband writes a beautiful forward in this book. PLEASE READ ANYTHING YOU CAN WRITTEN BY HER! she was amazing and her books should reflect this x

A clever parody, 02 Dec 2007
I've only just discovered this book, and see from previous reviews that its created a bit of angst amongst Jane Austen followers. I dont know what media advertising launched Persuading Annie, but I really dont believe Melissa Nathan was ever trying to be the new Jane Austen. What she has done in this very funny book is to create a clever parody of Jane Austen's Persuasion. And I mean parody in the true sense of the word ie 'a comic or satirical imitation of a work of a particular writer.' Personally, as a committed Jane Austen fan and one who has read Persuasion many times, my main delight has been to compare specific incidents in the two books, and see how Melissa Nathan has treated them. For instance, in the genteel 19th century, little Charles Musgrove has a bad fall and dislocates his collar bone; in today's 21st century young Harry Norman shoves an entire toy fire-engine ladder up his nose and ends up in A&E. The subsequent adult behaviour in both centuries is the same. Brilliant! I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and am now looking forward to reading Pride, Prejudice & Jasmin Field which I understand is being relaunched in Spring 2008 retitled Acting Up.

Brilliant, 22 Sep 2007
I loved this book, and i love this author, i have everything she has ever written, and this book was just as enjoyable! I'll happily sit down and read it again and again.

Compelling and thought provoking story, 03 Nov 2008
An incredible story that is difficult to describe in a short few sentences. It was certainly a very thought provoking book and I really wanted to discuss it with someone else (excellent choice for a book club!). I was unsure about the ending but on reflection it fits well with the rest of the book and allows for the reader to ponder the story well after finishing reading. Dystopian fiction is not for everyone but if you are at all interested in this genre then this is a brilliant example. Once I'd finished this book I went straight out and bought "Oryx and Crake" - another dystopian story by Atwood.

It doesn't matter what you feel, it only matters how you behave, 23 Sep 2008
What a wonderful book, written in the style of 1984 and Kazuo Ishiguro's Never let me go. I find Margaret Atwood's books hard to put down once I have started them, and cannot believe I only discovered her this year. I didn't read the notes at the end, as I thought they would ruin the chilling atmosphere set by the rest of the book. Moira is one of the best characters for me; she brings a little humour to the situation which is sorely needed. A great read.

How to do theocratic dystopia..., 12 Aug 2008
A truly great book, particular for those who have cold feet about Speculative Fiction (aka Sci Fi). A post-apocalyptic take on loss, resistance, feminism and social order of the patriarchal kind, The Handmaid's Tale avoids both cliche and the pretensions that can often plague even the best of novels with political undertows. I can think of few books which so well capture the sense of radical transformation and dislocation that must come with what someone once called the 'orgasms of history', those decisive events that change utterly social structures and somehow drag individuals along with them, even though people remain dominated by much the same loves and hopes they always were. The evocations of ritual, ceremony and punishment are particularly disturbing and resonant, even viscerally so. And, despite creating a deeply believable metaphor both for those changes that have been and those yet to come, Atwood also accomplishes the 'page turner' quality usually reserved for shallow thrillers. Just shy of being a masterpiece.

A thoroughly satisfying read, 07 Aug 2008
Possibly inspired by Islamic revolutions of the late 1970's - Atwood re-imagines American society in the grip an ultra-conservative, theocracy.
Under this regime, biblical scripture is used to justify hierarchical polygamy. High-caste 'Wives' govern biologically-fertile 'handmaids'- kept purely for procreative breeding, these 'handmaids' are sober, pious and nun-like - but they retain the dangerous allure of 'scarlet women' ... being parodoxically both entrapped and yet empowered by their vital role as surrogate mothers.
This is a post-feminist and matriarchal, but rigidly controlled and totalitarian society. It is NOT a cliched 'post-apocalyptic' story,(as the last reviewer erroneously claimed.) It is, however, one possible direction into which modern western societies may be presently regressing. It is a gritty, multi-layered tale, but it is largely about religious ideology as a form of social control.
The story is told with such a sense of exquisite clarity. The sheer pace and mood had me enthralled! It is a vivid, lucid tale, yet richly shrewd and astute. I particularly love the way in which the plot is tantalisingly 'strip-teased' - by flowing back and forth between the present (future) and past (present) Convincingly realistic, profoundly haunting and richly stimulating ... a thoroughly satisfying read!!

Love this book!, 22 Jul 2008
I read this novel for the first time last week and I loved it!! I couldn't put it down!!

Perfect escapism, 03 Sep 2008
This was a truly enjoyable read, very funny and cosy. I loved the descriptions of the barge and the atmosphere of the harbour. The Dutch background was also very true to life (I lived in The Netherlands for five years). A lovely escape this dreary summer!Finding Margo

'Chick Lit', 26 Jul 2008
Katie Fforde is in my opinion one of the better writers of `chick lit' This is her thirteenth novel and I admit to having read most of them, as her writing has always been enjoyable when I feel the need for some romantic escapism. However I was disappointed with this one as it even lacked a plot just a typical theme, take two very different women Jo and Dora, both sworn off men until they fall for the charms of Marcus and Tom. Neither of the romances felt convincing either, just all rather predictable. I also found more than a few of the comments and use of words irritating such as the over use of `perimenopausal' I think we got the message. As for the description on p114 when Dora was changing for the karaoke did we really need to know about `stray armpit hair' surely quite irrelevant?
The most interesting parts were those about the barge Jo and Dora lived on `The Three Sisters', most especially when it was sailed to Holland.
A pleasant enough read for an afternoon in the sun but not one of Katie Fforde's best, as once again lacking some of the spark of her earlier novels. I have mentioned this fact before in my review of `Practically Perfect' last year.
Maybe I am just outgrowing Katie Fforde, I hope not as I have been reading and enjoying her books since she was first published in 1995.
One last point to be aware of is that the ending comes sooner than expected. Due to the dire habit of the publisher treating us to an extract of the author's next novel. A fairly new practice that personally I find particularly irritating.


A romance too far?, 10 Jul 2008
I am a long-standing fan and have avidly bought and read every book as it comes out. It seems to me the earliest are the best, with wittier, more 'real' heroines and men I want to meet. As KF's popularity has increased, so her characters have become more bland and the books more formulaic - as if she is being 'edited' to fit the generic chick lit market. I was excited by the prospect of an older heroine in Going Dutch, now I am in my 40s, but she (and Dora) lacked depth and complexity. Katie - if you read your reviews - I'd love to see you return to the form of Living Dangerously and Wild Designs, which are my favourites.Going Dutch

A definate miss - do not buy this book if you want romance read, 02 May 2008
Am a through and through romance novel consumist and this book has more or less none of it (except maybe a 50 year old woman having if off with a guy with all the juicy bits being completely overlooked and missed out). Its so frustrating when things don't do what they say on the label (or in this case the cover). It takes me a few days to read a good romance yet this one was dragged out for weeks. At some points the language just got plain annoying, I mean the cover says 'hey am a modern chilled out romance novel' yet the language is smeared with