Does My Bum Look Big in This? Arabella Weir Book Review

Format – Paperback book

Challenges – Ultimate Teen Book Guide 2nd Edition

Synopsis – Like all women, Jackie knows life would be perfect if only she had a small bum, sticky-up bosoms and didn’t grow a moustache once a month . . . Chart her progress as she perfects the art of feeling shitty about every little, and not so little, bit of herself. The potential for self-doubt lies in everything – and it’s all her fault.

My Thoughts – I brought this as it was part of the Ultimate Teen Book Guide 2nd Edition reading challenge as it was recommended under the Bridget Jones books. This was fairly similar to the Bridget Jones in the plot however I just found it very unbelievable and almost quite shocking that anyone could be quite that shallow. For example – deciding not to eat to impress a man is quite ridiculous and really in my opinion doesn’t set too much of a good example to a young girl that could be reading the book. I didn’t really enjoy this at all and to be honest I was glad to see the end of it. Maybe I’m just at the wrong time of life to read this book however it just wasnt for me.

Rating – 1/5

Bridget Jones’s Diary – Helen Fielding * Reading Challenge Recap *

Challenges – Ultimate Teen Book Guide #4/61, Ultimate Teen Book Guide 2nd Edition – #4/782.

Books in the Series

• Bridget Jones’s Diary
• The Edge of Reason
• Mad About the Boy
• Bridget Jones’s Baby

Synopsis – A dazzlingly urban satire on modern relationships?
An ironic, tragic insight into the demise of the nuclear family?
Or the confused ramblings of a pissed thirty-something?

Welcome to Bridget’s first diary: mercilessly funny, endlessly touching and utterly addictive.

My Thoughts – It was a very long time ago that I read this book – probably around 10 years or so however it resonates true the older that I get! It is so funny in places and I feel as though most women can identify with Bridget and her life in some way – for example weighing yourself so much that it becomes obsessive or obsessing over men. I read the first and second book in very quick succession however I’m not too sure why I didn’t read the rest – maybe I just forgot to add it to my wish list at the time! I’m definitely going to go back and finish this series though as i really enjoyed the first two books and the films are equally as good in my opinion!

Rating – 4/5

Recommendations –

Ultimate Teen Book Guide – Bridget Jones: Edge of Reason, Angus Thongs and Full Frontal Snogging – Louise Rennison (Challenge Book), High Fidelity – Nick Hornby (Challenge book)

Ultimate Teen Book guide Second Edition – Bridget Jones: Edge of Reason, Does my Bum Look Big in this? – Arabella Weir (Challenge Book), Pride and Prejudice – Jane Austen (Challenge Book), Earth, My Butt and Other Big Round Things – Carolyn Mackler

When The Curtain Falls – Carrie Hope Fletcher * Book Review *

Format – Hardback Book

Synopsis – Theatres have a certain kind of magic. When the curtain rises, we are all enraptured by the glare of the lights and the smell of the greasepaint but it’s when the curtain falls that the real drama begins . . .

In 1952 two young lovers meet, in secret, at the beautiful Southern Cross theatre in the very heart of London’s West End. Their relationship is made up of clandestine meetings and stolen moments because there is someone who will make them suffer if he discovers she is no longer ‘his’. But life in the theatre doesn’t always go according to plan and tragedy and heartache are waiting in the wings for all the players . . .

Almost seventy years later, a new production of When the Curtain Falls arrives at the theatre, bringing with it Oscar Bright and Olive Green and their budding romance. Very soon, though, strange things begin to happen and they learn about the ghost that’s haunted the theatre since 1952, a ghost who can only be seen on one night of the year. Except the ghost is appearing more often and seems hell bent on sabotaging Oscar and Olive. The young couple realise they need to right that wrong from years gone by, but can they save themselves before history repeats itself and tragedy strikes once more?

My Thoughts – I am quite a big fan of Carrie on social media and follow her instragram etc but I’ve never read one of her books until now.

This book tells the story of Olive Green who is a leading lady in theatre land and Oscar Bright – a former soap star who is transitioning into theatre. It has various themes, love and betrayal, fights, ghost stories and all of these weaved together was really good. It was very obvious that Carrie obviously has a lot of knowledge of the theatre as this was reflected in the book very well.

It was an easy to read story and I will definitaly be reading more of her books.

Rating – 4/5

The Yorkshire Pudding Club – Milly Johnson. A Book Review

Synopsis – ‘The Yorkshire Pudding Club’ is the story of how three women find themselves empowered by unexpected pregnancy. For Helen, pregnancy is a dream come true. For career-woman Janey, it is a nightmare. And for the emotionally lost Elizabeth, fears she may be carrying a child she will never love.

My Thoughts – I brought this book from Amazon a couple of months back as I’m currently expecting baby no2 and thought this would be a good read whilst I was pregnant.

This book tells the story of three friends, Helen, Janey and Elizabeth who have 3 totally different conception, pregnancy and birth stories. I felt that this was such an important part to the book as not all pregnancies are planned, pregnancy doesnt always go the way that you expect it and as for birth you might as well throw the book out of the window as there is no preparing or deciding what will happen with that.

Its a very well written book, perfect if you are pregnant or have recently had a baby. I really enjoyed the escapism of this book as it was easy to read and followed a natural trend to the story. It was quite a predictable plot line, however with a book of this genre I personally dont tend to mind that too much.

This was a very well written book and I would definitaly read more by this author.

Rating – 4/5

The Devil Wears Prada – Lauren Weisberger

Started – 27/11/12

Finished – 5/12/12

Format – Paperback Book

Synopsis – Andrea Sachs, a small-town girl fresh out of college, lands the job “a million girls would die for.” Hired as the assistant to Miranda Priestly, the high-profile, fabulously successful editor of Runway magazine, Andrea finds herself in an office that shouts Prada! Armani! Versace! at every turn, a world populated by impossibly thin, heart-wrenchingly stylish women and beautiful men clad in fine-ribbed turtlenecks and tight leather pants that show off their lifelong dedication to the gym. With breathtaking ease, Miranda can turn each and every one of these hip sophisticates into a scared, whimpering child.

THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA gives a rich and hilarious new meaning to complaints about “The Boss from Hell.” Narrated in Andrea’s smart, refreshingly disarming voice, it traces a deep, dark, devilish view of life at the top only hinted at in gossip columns and over Cosmopolitans at the trendiest cocktail parties. From sending the latest, not-yet-in-stores Harry Potter to Miranda’s children in Paris by private jet, to locating an unnamed antique store where Miranda had at some point admired a vintage dresser, to serving lattes to Miranda at precisely the piping hot temperature she prefers, Andrea is sorely tested each and every day—and often late into the night with orders barked over the phone. She puts up with it all by keeping her eyes on the prize: a recommendation from Miranda that will get Andrea a top job at any magazine of her choosing. As things escalate from the merely unacceptable to the downright outrageous, however, Andrea begins to realize that the job a million girls would die for may just kill her. And even if she survives, she has to decide whether or not the job is worth the price of her soul

 

My Thoughts – This book has been on my shelf for far too long and its one of those books that ive wanted to read for a long time but never got around to reading.

This book is about Andrea, fresh out of school and looking for a job. She isnt too sure where she wants to go with her life. She lands an interview at Runway magazine, which I’m sure somewhere i read that is loosely based on Vogue! Its here that she encounters Miranda, someone that she doesnt know who she is, which really shocks everyone present and manages to get the job as PA. Its now that her life changes. Miranda wants Andrea to be at her beck and call 24/7 with any number of requests, whether it be getting the new unreleased Harry Potter book for her twin daughters the day before its released or doing the dry cleaning or going to fashion shows in Paris.

I got hooked into this book almost as soon as i read the first few pages. It is very well written and has a very engaging storyline. I think why i enjoyed this book so much is that my boss is literally like the male version of Miranda with unreasonable demands and expecting me to be able to do them at once. I did have to giggle at the part with the dry cleaning as thats the sort of thing that happens to me on a regular basis.

I did feel very sorry for Andrea. She had just got her first proper job and trying to make her way in the world and managed to get the job from hell and in the process almost loose everyone close to her.

This book is very good and very funny. Although it could be classed as chick lit i do think it will appeal to a much wider audience and i would recommend it to anyone!

Rating – 4/5

Trixie Trader – Helen Dunne

Started – 4/11/12

Finished – 13/11/12

Format – Paperback Book

 

Synopsis – When City banker Trixie is told by her boss that she’s had one long lunch too many and that she has six weeks to hook a serious deal or she’s out on the street, she knows that it’s time to roll up those sleeves on her little Armani suit and get to work. Ruthless tactics are required, especially if she’s not to be sidetracked by her divine new colleague in sales, the adorably Irish Ciaran. Trixie rallies her troops, led by her friends Julie and Bloodhound, and a deal is sighted. Only trouble is,Trixie may have to compromise herself in unspeakable ways to get it. Locale: The City of London & chic, trendy Central London.

 

My Thoughts – I’ve had this book on my shelf since 2010 when i went through a massive chick lit phase. Nowadays im not too keen on this genre but i will still read it occasionally.

 

This book is about Trixie who works in the city as something to do with banking. She likes to spend her money more than work and she doesnt really put all that much effort into her work since splitting up with her ex, Sam, who also works in banking. Trixie is given an ultimatium, either bring some money into the bank or loose her job. Trixie then tries to bring money in and along the way encounters dinner parties, trips to new york, a new love interest and an old love interest.

 

I couldnt really warm to the character of Trixie, i found her very hard and the fact that she was only out to look out for number one and wasnt really bothered on who she hurt on the way as long as she was ok. I did also figure out who lily was and i felt that this was quite a mean thing to do.

 

This book is quite a short read, a little over 200 pages and would be ok for reading on a beach or something like that but i dont think it would be one that i would read again.

 

Rating – 3/5

The Chocolate Lovers Club – Carole Matthews

Started – 3/7/12

Finished – 6/7/12

Format – Paperback Book

Synopsis – THE CHOCOLATE LOVERS’ CLUB brings together four very different women with one thing in common: they can’t resist chocolate.  This is an irresistible novel for anyone who wishes they were a member!

Lucy Lombard can’t resist it – rich, creamy, sweet, delicious chocolate. For her there’s nothing it won’t cure – from heartache to a headache – and she’s not alone.  Sharing her passion are three other addicts: Autumn, Nadia and Chantal.  Together they form The Chocolate Lovers’ Club.  They meet in their sanctuary, Chocolate Heaven, as often as they can, and with a cheating boyfriend who promises he’ll change, a flirtatious boss, a gambling husband and a loveless marriage, there’s always plenty to discuss…

My Thoughts – I’ve had this book on my shelf for a couple of years and its only now that I’ve got around to reading it. This book is about Lucy, a temp stuck in a job that she doesnt really like, apart from her boss, crush, and has one major chocolate addiction. Along with her three chocolate loving friends Autumn, Nadia and Chantal they are The Chocolate Lovers Club.

All the girls have various life problems, Lucy has a boyfriend that just keeps on hurting her and she just cant let go of him, Autumn has a brother with lots of problems, mainly drugs, Nadia has a husband that is addicted to gambling and Chantal has a husband that just doesnt seem to love her anymore. These parts of the books were so funny and i would think that a lot of people could relate to these serious life issues.

I also liked how the different stories all kind of mingled into one and it keeped jumping between different characters to tell their part of the story. I liked this as it kept twisting and turning andit really kept my interest in the book.

Carole Matthews is one of my favourite authors ever, her books are always fun and flirty, but with a serious message behind them, which is exactly what this book is, fun flirty chick lit, perfect for a summer beach read.

I dont normally read chick lit sequels, but this has a follow up book and I’m definitaly going to get my hands on this book.

Rating – 4/5

Confessions of a Demented Housewife – Niamh Greene

Started – 27/6/12

Finished – 3/7/12

Format – Kindle e-book

Synopsis – When Susie’s maiden aunt gives her a housekeeping journal, she expects Susie to use it for jotting down nutritious recipes and planning household budgets. But Susie has more important things on her mind …

 … Like how to keep sane while trying to control a four-year-old diva who thinks she’s Judy Garland, as well as a thrill-seeking toddler with a death wish. Not to mention managing a demanding husband who expects a home-cooked meal at least once a fortnight and inconsiderate parents who seem to think luxury spa breaks are more important than spending time with their grandchildren. On top of that, there’s the small matter of the Lone Father at the children’s play group who is clearly smitten and Susie’s passing interest in Posh’n’Becks, Wayne and Colleen, Brad’n’Jen’n’Angelina …

Susie’s journal chronicles a hectic year in the life of a stay at home mother, whose one ambition is to possess an outfit that is free of snot stains.

My Thoughts – I’ve had this book on my shelf from 2010, where i brought the book for my mum as a present. After she had read the book she gave it back to me and thats where it has stayed for the last couple of years.

This book is a year in the life of Susie, a stay at home mum with two young children. It goes through arguements with her husband, whether her husband is going off her, best friend fallouts and make ups, mother and baby groups, and various children type accidents and life events.

This book was quite funny in places, i did laugh out loud at a couple of parts, like some of the bitchyness that went on at the mother and baby group. I really hope that this sort of thing doesnt actually go on like it in real life, but this part of the book was quite funny.

For me this book was a little bit like if Bridget Jones got married and had two children. Susie always seems to get all the bad luck and everything happens to her and nobody else. This was good at the start, but towards the end it got a little bit samey and it was a little bit predictable as to what would happen next.

Susie starts to think her husband is having an affair with his new assistant and ends up having feelings for somebody else during the book, now i know that this sort of thing happens, but for me it just didnt seem realistic and this part of the book put me off a little bit.

This isnt my first book by this author ive read a couple of others, and they are fun and chick lit. Perfect for a bit of beach reading or a bit of an escape. Maybe i would have enjoyed the book a bit more if i was like Susie, a stay at home mum, but i couldnt always identify with her. There is a follow up book to this one, but i dont think ill read anymore. I think this book would appeal to stay at home mums, but not me . . . yet!

Rating – 3/5

The Difference A Day Makes – Carole Matthews

Started – 22/5/12

Finished – 5/6/12

Format – Paperback book

Synopsis – William and Amy Ashurst are typical townies, dedicated professionals at the top of their tree, with two adorable children and an au pair who cooks, cleans and cares for them all. Then one day Will collapses on his way into work and he decides he’s never going back.

So it is that, three months later, Amy is standing outside Helmshill Grange, a sullen monstrosity of a house, deep in the Yorkshire moors, with their own land as far as the eye can see. It’s what William says he’s always wanted, which is slightly worrying as he couldn’t be bothered to do his own gardening in Notting Hill, and would rather pick up a book than a spade. Within days, Will’s traded in their brand new Audi for a clapped out Land Rover, and brought home chickens, goats, sheep, a serial-killer cat and a mad dog. Then tragedy strikes and Amy learns that it’s one thing living the dream, but when the dream’s not your own, how long can it last?

My thoughts – I brought this book back in 2010 as i am a huge fan of Carole Matthews books as they are always fun but with a serious message behind them. Its nice to read a chick lit book with a bit more substance to it and not just all fluff to it.

The Difference A Day Makes is about Amy and Will, a happily married couple who both work at a british television company in London. They have two children who are looked after by a nanny as both parents are workaholics. During a normal tube ride to work Will has a health scare and is rushed into hospital. Due to the fact that all his family have died young from heart attacks and the simular, he wants to have a complete change of lifestyle and wants to move with his family out to the countryside and give up his stressful job.

Amy doesnt share his vision in this, but gives in and soon they move to the countryside and move into a desolate country home that needs lots of work doing on it to make it habitable. Not only does Will buy a new home, he buys chickens that cant lay eggs and are blind, three sheep that are a bit old, a goat, a cat and a very unmanagable dog.

Then the unthinkable happens Will dies suddenly from a heart attack. Amy is left alone to bring up two children with no husband, no job and living in a place that she doesnt want to be. When the handsome vet is introduced into things, a handyman that becomes more than that to the children, and the adjustment to villiage life it is definitaly a recipe for a good book.

To start with i didnt really get into this book. I struggled a little to connect with the story, it wasnt until Will died that i started to really get into the story of this book. Once WIll had passed away their was lots of different story lines going on like the vet, the children, the animals to get my attention.

I didnt always like Amy. I felt at times she was very selfish and only wanted to do what she wanted and not what was best for the family. However, towards the end i warmed to her. I really enjoyed this book and i read 3/4 of it in one night, i just had to know how it ended.

I was quite glad that this was a happily ever after book, most of the time i dont like that particular ending, but this time it really worked for the book.

I would recommend this book to fans of chick lit and to those readers that like books with a bit of a serious message to them.

Rating – 4/5

The Love Trainer – Julia Llewellyn

Started – 27/1/12

Finished – 10/2/12

Format – Paperback

 

Synopsis – Katie Wallace had her heart broken once – never again. So she decides to becomes a Love Trainer, a unique service provider who can answer the following questions:

 

1 Should I call him even though he hasn’t called me?

2 When he turns up in the middle of the night drunk and wanting a shag, should I say yes?

3 Why is it so hard when I’m not even sure he’s the man I want to marry?

 

Is Katie right? Can you train men to be better boyfriends? Or is she playing the game of love with the wrong set of rules – a game which can only lead to her and those she helps getting hurt …?

 

My Thoughts – Well, by pure coincidence I am posting my thoughts about a book called ‘The Love Trainer’ on valentines day. This is not on purpose i assure you! Well, i have to say unfortunatly i didnt like this book too much. Basically, as the cover says ‘Men are like puppies, they need training’ Now while i agree that men are sometimes confusing creatures, i dont think they need to be trained. I just think you should be with a person because of who they are, not who you think they should be.

 

Anyway, back to the book. Katie becomes a love trainer and and guides a woman called Rebecca and her friends in the ways of love. I couldnt connect at all with Rebecca and her friends, i found them very spoilt and not really in tune with the rest of the population. I liked Katie but the love trainer part i found really hard to grasp.

 

I know that this is a chick lit book, and its meant as a light hearted read, but i just couldnt grasp the message of this book, and ended up skim reading the last 50 or so pages.

 

Rating – 2/5