Mermaid Week!

This week is Mermaid Week on the Confessions site! 

"A Race with Mermaids and Tritons" - Collier Smithers, 1895

I mean, who doesn't like mermaids? Seriously, if some sea-witch (who may or may not have been part of a Disney franchise) came up to you and said, "I'll make you a mermaid for day... if you give me your voice!" would you not immediately accept? I sure as hell would. And then I would also star in my own animation and sing with all the little sea creatures and....okay, I'm getting ahead of myself.

Let's think of the perks of being a mermaid or mer-person:

1) You can breathe under water!

2) Your fingers will not go soggy after being in the bath for ten minutes.

3) You can probably communicate with sea creatures and possibly get a job as a private, underwater detective and help out finding lost clownfish. 

4) You can chill on land if you want to. You might have to make a pact with some dastardly, sassy villain but, hey, you might just stumble across a charming human who may or may not live in a castle. 

5) Imagine the money you would save on transport! Those fins can take you anywhere you wanna go - the world is your oyster!

6) You'll obviously get a kick ass education - singing, life lessons and probably some self-defense thrown in there when a rowdy shark has snacked on one to many seals... 

7) You won't need to worry about snacking on that kale too much! Mer-people by nature don't wear any trousers... so no worrying about that damn pesky top button nonsense. Let those fins all hang out!

8) One word. Hair. Unrealistic hair expectations are a thing of the past. As a mermaid you're biologically programmed to have amazing hair. Science. 

9) Bras are a thing of the past. No one cares under the sea if you let those girls roam free or if you collect that coupon and get a free clam bra! The possibilities are endless. 

10) As a supernatural being, you have special abilities. One notable power - luring men to their deaths. Set the scene: you're just chilling in the ocean, waiting for the boyfriend to show up. You get a text on your clam phone - "Sorry bae, can't make it. Just bought the new FIFA." A simple hum of the tune and he's in the water by your side, it's up to you what happens next! Guess he didn't get the memo about your dark side! Oops. 

So this week, I'm dedicating this blog to all you beautiful sirens, selkies and of course, mers out there! If you have any specific book you want me to blog about, give me a heads up in the comments and I'll do my best! If not, I'm gonna be flagging up some of my favourite mermaid stories so please keep tuning in :)

"The Fisherman and the Siren" - Lord Frederick Leighton, 1858

Mer out! 

Mermaids, Mermaids and Mermaids

Mermaids, Mermaids, and More Mermaids...

Can I tell you a secret?

I have an obsession.

Mermaids.

I absolutely adore mermaids. Specifically mermaids who own lighthouses. Honestly, its my dream to be a mermaid, living on a remote island managing a lighthouse and occasionally dipping in the nippy ocean to get my fins wet. Ah, the life.

Signet Eclipse Books, 2010

  Why am I talking about this you might ask? I'm mentioning my love of mermaids because after a drought of weeks without reading anything sea-related, I was in the mood for some mermaid shenanigans of the deep-sea rarity - if you get my meaning. So I plundered the depths of both Amazon and Goodreads, in search of a brooding lighthouse keeper and fin-inclined friends when I stumbled across the out of print Siren's Call by Devyn Quinn. After reading the blurb, fangirling over the beautiful cover and then tracking down UK sellers, I bought the entire trilogy.

Blurb:

A new paranormal romance series that follows desire into the depths of the ocean 

Lighthouse keeper Tessa Lonike savors her solitude on Little Mer, an island off the coast of Maine, guarding her true identity as a mermaid. But when Tessa spots a man thrashing around in the ice cold waters during a storm, she must use her ability as a mermaid to pull him to shore. And a year later, when Kenneth meets her again, he's determined not to let Tessa slip away. But when Tessa'a archaeologist ex-lover comes back to town with a clue to her heritage, she may be forced to leave her happiness behind...

Now, I have to point out one thing. I'm studying Archaeology. Some would call me an archaeologist. Some would not. But one thing is certain: Tessa Lonike's ex-bae is not an archaeologist. He's a crack pot. If he was real, he'd be one of those select few that like to call themselves 'archaeologists' but actually are those khaki wearing, whip wielding, treasure-hunting nighthawks chasing the dream of finding Atlantis or the colony of lizardmen in mainstream society. Then they cry out in rage because they're not being recognized by the community. For good reason. 

In this instance, I hope to the goddess that Devyn Quinn knew what she was doing when writing Jake (the fanatic). Whenever I pick up a book and blurb describes a protagonist or secondary character as an 'archaeologist' and the writer has never studied said profession, a cold shiver runs through me. Another Indiana Jones-esque take on the archaeological record. Of course, sometimes I'm utterly wrong and sometimes, the stories are fun and exciting. However, I have to admit for Siren's Call I did not enjoy this take. In fact it had me shouting most of the time. Specifically the bit when they opened a supposed tomb without recording it first! Come on guys, rule one! 

Another thing this book praised was the typical gender roles. Now, of course in some romance novels fantasy overwhelms us and we get caught up in the typical hero/heroine dynamic. However, this one just went too far for me. One of the main character's reasons for not getting into a relationship was that she could not cook sufficiently enough for a man to want her! Blerrrrgh. Unfortunately that was a complete mind-numbing moment for me. One in which I grunted loudly and closed the book immediately. Suffice to say, I took break from reading on.

Also, the love triangle between Tessa, Kenneth and Jake was also something that needed some work. At times I felt like it was utterly forced. I didn't see any character development that allowed Jake to get a look in again. Instead, there was a jump forward of a six weeks and then one line:

'As the expedition had come together, she'd found Jake's company more tolerable."

Hmm. Well, that settles it right?!

It really didn't flow well with the story in some ways. Jake was more of a plot device than anything and you really knew it from the beginning. He doesn't really arrive until the last 3/4 of the book and then it's not even a subtle plot movement. It's like a sledge hammer driving its way through the pages; "Move outta the way, everyone! MAJOR PLOT TWIST COMING! Shoo!"

On a lighter note, there were some elements of the story I did like. I liked the cool scaly tattoos the mer-sisters had which were a physical representation of their tails on land. That was pretty bad-ass. I also liked the idea of the mermaids being created alongside male humans to breed - although they didn't really give a reason for the creation of females... they're obviously not important! I mean, we're taking mermaids here, right? The creation of an elite unknown society of mermaids that humans had no idea about was pretty original and somewhat exciting. Rebellions are always a good part of a plot, however, it was over within the gap between two chapters and nothing along the lines of fighting actually happened. I swear, three 'good' mermaids died in the process and nothing was mentioned about them expect their carcasses were bloodied on the floor. Poof! Like that, insignificant.

I think my main issue with this first book is that I didn't feel anything for the characters. Zero feels. Which is very unusual for me. They mostly just got on my nerves. Overall, I wouldn't recommend it as a good introduction into the land or sea of mermaids. I've read countless mermaid fictions which I would recommend to you in a heartbeat over Siren's Call. I think if it wasn't for that beautiful cover, I probably wouldn't remember the story at all! I'll probably read the next two and maybe review them, depending on how much they wind me up or not, so I'll keep you guys posted!

With that massive come-down, I'm going to leave my verdict here:

Rating: M - for adult context, sex, sea-frolicking and crappy archaeologist-wannabes.

Post Feels: Thank god for that!

The Goddess Series!

The Good, the Bad, and the Goddess

Harlequin UK, 2011.

I'm BACK! And I'm really excited to talk about all the lovely romance books I've been reading this summer. Firstly, I wanted to start with the "Goddess Series" by Aimée Carter. I picked this little series because I was really craving some Ancient Greek God action, and it seemed to deliver. On the cover, it had all of the ingredients for a seriously good teen fic, including some romance, some angst, some muscular gods and some crazy plot lines. So here, have the blurb from "The Goddess Test":

It's always been just Kate and her mom—and her mother is dying.

Her last wish? To move back to her childhood home. So Kate's going to start at a new school with no friends, no other family and the fear her mother won't live past the fall. Then she meets Henry. Dark. Tortured. And mesmerizing. He claims to be Hades, god of the Underworld—and if she accepts his bargain, he'll keep her mother alive while Kate tries to pass seven tests.

Kate is sure he's crazy—until she sees him bring a girl back from the dead. Now saving her mother seems crazily possible. If she succeeds, she'll become Henry's future bride, and a goddess.

See what I mean? It's got everything, it seems. Action, romance, teenage angst. And it starts off like most YA novels tend to: new girl, new school, really hot guy. However, this wasn't just the typical YA adult romance novel. I did feel like there was something different about this. Not just because it had a deeper themes to it, such as loss and acceptance, but the writing didn't make the story cliche or even repetitive. Overall, I really enjoyed the storyline. It was a good, engaging story that you wanted to read all the way through. I mean, I got through the three books during exam time (probably a bad decision) and in about a week. So my procrastination was obviously in full swing! And, that may or may not have been the reason why I enjoyed the series so much.

Mind you, there was some disappointments with the series too. For instance, the first novel, is all about how Kate is faced with so many tests in order to achieve the goddess status, while all the time trying to avoid perhaps certain death. However, she doesn't actually know when and where the tests happen. So, there's not much action on that front and it was slightly disappointing. But, there is action throughout the book, just not in the way you would expect.

As for the characters, Kate, to me, was quite an interesting character, even though she was totally fine with some random magical man, known as Henry, coming to her door with a supposed 'butler' and make her agree to potentially becoming his wife... you know, after her mother was taken into hospital... totally normal, right? Anyway, the character are indeed lovable, if sometimes quite aggravating with their decisions and motivations. However, ultimately, the connection between Henry and Kate is actually quite touching. He himself has issues with any relationships due to his ex-wife Persephone cheating on him and ultimately not loving him, and in turn that creates issues for Kate as the next potential Queen of the Underworld.

I really loved the landscape of the Underworld and the godly realms that Aimee Carter created. I thought they were equally fascinating. The idea that the Gods were created, but were not biological siblings, did slightly confuse me as it was never really mentioned other than a few times when Henry would insist that no God/Goddess was related to each other - even though, they shared the same adoptive parents, they could still marry and procreate with each other. Slightly confusing for me. Then again, that could have been because I was up to my eyeballs in exams. Who knows?!

To conclude, if there's any mythology lovers out there, this is a really good series to pick up and read in your spare time. It's light, fun and engaging - which sometimes I find, is better than some of the heavy 800 page reads!

Rating: YA, romance, mythology, sexy Hades (always a good shout)!

Post Feels: Content, happy, would read more if it involved more interactions with Henry and Kate.

Feminism and the Erotic Genre: Compatible or Not?

Am I a 'bad' feminist?

Firstly, this post is going to be a little different to what I usually do. The reason behind this is because I've been pondering this question for a couple of days now. And it all began with one comment from a friend of mine in regards to the matter of women in erotic fiction:

"They're just male playthings, aren't they?"

 As we both sat there, each in our separate rooms, separate lives, and separate ideas, we began to get into a discussion about my favourite genre through text. Now, don't get me wrong, both she and I are partial to the monthly rom-com and Doritos binge, but when we started discussing the portrayal of women in the erotic genre, we both had somewhat differing views. Of course, I knew to which series she was referring to when she made this very bold statement - the illusive ties, red rooms and overbearing contracts. Suffice to say, my dear friend (and just to let you know, she's still my dear friend) had only ever read that certain series. However, it got me thinking. Can our expectations of erotica ever fully assimilate into main stream feminism?

I, myself, align to being a feminist. And I'm proud to be one, however, I have always had the niggling doubt in my mind that my feminist ideology clashed with what I loved most: romance and erotic fiction. Was I actually a 'bad' feminist for even liking something which on the front can be seen as demeaning to my own sex? That, in the mainstream, portrays women as simple, unchallenged and ultimately weak and (in the very LARGE context) can advocate domestic violence when confronted in the harsh light of day. This can never be a good thing, surely? Domestic violence can never be condoned. And I would never say that we can give it leeway in fiction. The idea is monstrous. What I am saying is, however, that it is how the relationship between the characters is seen and most importantly written that is the key. From the get go, a reader must be able to indulge in their fantasies with these characters, but there must always an understanding of consent within erotic fiction. Notably, between the characters engaging with each other on those pages and the reader/writer relationship. It is down to the author to make these lines clear. If they aren't clear then we as readers and budding writers too, will get our lines blurred - and we all know, that's never a good song idea.
There have been numerous stories about the rise/mainstreaming of erotic fiction and the decline of female worth. Certainly, it would not take you long to scroll through any social media site to see a article labeling erotic fiction as bad or regressive. Perhaps that is why erotic fiction has always been something to hide, to sneak a peak at in the back section of Waterstones, or even curl up on the sofa to and indulge ourselves, alone, on a Saturday night?

As my friend had pointed out, in very basic terms, society does not always see such sexual exploration as good or even right in some contexts. Yes, erotic fiction is now, as you might say, "out-of-the-closet" but does that stigma still carry weight?

I think it does. There is something secretive and naughty about sexual exploration in our society that does not fit with reality. In some sense, the idea that erotic fiction and feminism cannot work together is very dogmatic.The idea of a single stream of feminism itself is dogmatic. We should be free to express our own sexuality and experiences in any form. And, even if I am called a 'bad' feminist, or even if someone does not agree with me, then I will still subscribe to the erotic fiction genre. Not because, I think women are 'male playthings' but in fact, quite the opposite. To base your idea of a certain aspect of fiction on one badly written and, should I say, boring set of books is limiting your scope of learning. Erotic fiction for me, is about the freedom of openly expressing yourself as not only, a sexual being, but as a women too. Many of the female leads in such works, are not the meek and mild characters that society thinks they are. No, in fact, many of these women (thought up by both women and men) are inspiring, independent and alluring. These are not the weak female leads, and to even characterise them as 'feisty' or 'untamed' does them and their authors a discredit. They arr as real as you and me. They think, they feel and they know who they are. In some ways, the author is just there as a scribe to their lives.

Many times I've read author's interviews where they say the characters formed themselves: almost like they were living beings. But, perhaps this is beside the point. What I wanted to discuss in this post was the fact that, no, I do not believe I am a 'bad' feminist because I love the witty repartee of the erotic genre. No, in fact, I think the erotic genre gives us something - as humans - that allows us to explore our own beings and our own sexuality freely, without the Big Brother eye of society looming over us. It allows us to express a part of our identity that is fundamental to how we are and now we act, feel and think. 

Beauty and the...Demon?

If anyone out there knows me, they will know that I adore Beauty and the Beast. It's one of my all time favourite stories, so it was no surprise that when I found out about the debut novel from Rosamund Hodge, Cruel Beauty, I jumped to buy it. In fact, I was so excited that I finished the thing within a day. That left me with a £11 deficit in my bank account and a heavy heart when I turned the last page.

Cruel Beauty, by Rosamund Hodge

My own copy (and hedgehog bedding)

Rating: Teen - scenes of moderate violence, gory etc., teeny romance, mystery, classic love tale. 

Post Feels: I've already started to re-read it!

Blurb:

Since birth, Nyx has been betrothed to the evil ruler of her kingdom-all because of a foolish bargain struck by her father. And since birth, she has been in training to kill him.

With no choice but to fulfill her duty, Nyx resents her family for never trying to save her and hates herself for wanting to escape her fate. Still, on her seventeenth birthday, Nyx abandons everything she's ever known to marry the all-powerful, immortal Ignifex. Her plan? Seduce him, destroy his enchanted castle, and break the nine-hundred-year-old curse he put on her people.

But Ignifex is not at all what Nyx expected. The strangely charming lord beguiles her, and his castle-a shifting maze of   magical rooms-enthralls her.

As Nyx searches for a way to free her homeland by uncovering Ignifex's secrets, she finds herself unwillingly drawn to him. Even if she could bring herself to love her sworn enemy, how can she refuse her duty to kill him? With time running out, Nyx must decide what is more important: the future of her kingdom, or the man she was never supposed to love...

Many people had super-hyped this novel from the get go. Most of the reviews I had read raved about it (which made me even more hungry to get my hands on it) and some were...um...not so favourable. Suffice to say, I ignored them. However, one thing did stick out for me - there's a love triangle. Now, I normally don't care for love triangles within romance novels. I very much a stick-to-the-first-guy-you-read-about kinda girl, as we all know most of the time the first guy (I'm using that in the non-gender binary sense) the protagonist bumps into is normally the love interest. Honestly, give it a shot. Most romance novels have that pattern. Anyhoo, there's two things about love triangles is that 1) it's plain indecisive - pick a person and stick with them. It would save so much more hassle for the reader and wouldn't make them endure the same monologue of 'Do I?' or 'Don't I?'. And 2) it makes me more inclined to skip read certain parts of the story in which I find dull, usually the bits that doesn't have my favourite love interest in. Oops.

And so, this is why I started to skip certain bits of Cruel Beauty... again, oops. Personally, I knew where the story was going and the whole love triangle bit didn't bother me as much, but I think the characterisation of Shade, one of the love interests was slightly...well...dull. He was a bit of a wet blanket. Moping around like the shadow he was and simply being all doom and gloom. To be fair, he was a prisoner in a massive castle for about 900 years, but still my point stands. All in all, I didn't skim read that much, however it was at the beginning and I didn't get the whole 'luurve' vibe from Nyx and Shade. But, Nyx and Ignifex... there was a whole lotta tension going on there. Dayyymmn.

But, I'll leave that for you guys to enjoy on your own time.

As much as I loved the book in the end, it did take me a little while to get into it. I mean the entire world was so fascinating and I would have loved it if we got to explore a little bit more of that universe, however Hodge did a really amazing job a incorporating mythologies into the reality of the book. It was truly a really enjoyable read when it came to certain aspects of the writing. However, the only reason I think the beginning was so difficult for me was because I found some of the relationships, particularly with Shade and Nyx slightly forced. It was around page 70 that Nyx felt she was 'in love' with Shade the shadow and in all honesty, it felt sort of rushed to me and could have been expanded. It wasn't until 150 pages in that things really got going for me. Albeit because of a certain Gentle Lord and his sliver tongue. He was very enjoyable indeed. Nyx too was a very complex character with her own motivations which I really, truly enjoyed. She progressed throughout the book and was flawed to begin with which I often find intriguing in a character. There are so many books in which the female lead is often too perfect or too bad-ass, and in this, Hodge got the balance just right. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the world of Arcadia through Nyx's eyes - of course, there were times when I questioned her actions and felt that the character development was somewhat forced to progress the story and fit it into the classical tale of Beauty and the Beast, but overall I really did enjoy this read. It had been so long since I had read a really good fantasy/romance and I'm really glad I spent my money on this one.

So, go on, splurge a little and buy yourself a hardback version of Cruel Beauty!

Greek Gods, Beauties, and Beasts

Casting!

P.C Cast, taken from her blog

Today's post is going to be all about one author: the amazing P.C Cast. Now, if anyone doesn't know about Ms. Cast, let me enlighten you. Cast is from mid-west American and is a huge fan of horse and mythology - both are a serious components to her novels. She's won a bunch of amazing writing rewards and she definitely deserves each and every shiny one! Not to mention she's one of New York Times Best-Selling authors. She has over 20 million fans world wide. She's wrote several mythological based series, including the House of Night which she co-writes with her daughter Kristin Cast. She's basically a goddess of the Romance genre!

So, which series will I be spamming at you? 

Firstly, it shall be the Divine Series: 

1st in the series

This was the first series I read by P.C Cast and I completely fell in love with it and her world. I wanted to be Shannon and be in the mythological world of Partholon. I mean, who wouldn't want to be married to a hot centaur and ruling your own Ancient Greek-esque realm? Not to mention that the love scenes in this 576 pager is hot-hot-hot. I honestly don't think I breathed through the entire *spoiler* ClanFintan/Shannon bath scene ohmygawedIdied.

Let me give you the blurb:

I get this bizarre mirror world filled with a horse/guy who I have the serious hots for, creatures who are terrorising civilisation, deodorant-less armpits that probably stink and no toilet paper. This sucks. The only excitement Shannon Parker expected while on holiday was a little shopping. Finding herself flung through fire into the world of Partholon (and left with a massive headache, thank you very much), she’s now being treated like a goddess. Somehow Shannon has stepped into another’s role in another world. And while there’s an upside – who doesn’t love lots of pampering? – it also comes with a ritual marriage to a centaur and threats against her new people. Can Shannon survive this new world and ever find her way home?

I have no idea why she'd want to go home, but it makes a good premise! The entire world of Partholon made me want to jump into a toga and go on a centaur hunt myself. The way Cast portrays her worlds are just unbelievable in their beauty. Cast always has a certain way with words that just draws the reader in fully and completely willingly into the story that when you turn that last page, it hurts. I think this series consumed my life for a while after reading it, and, I think, that's when you know you've found a good one. Like I said, Cast has a way with words, but if one things certain about Cast, it's that she's going to hit your funny bone and hard. I mean, 21st century girl trying to figure out life in a ancient/mythological land... what's not to laugh at? One of my weaknesses is watching people from another time figure out the complicated machinations of turning on the TV or figuring out how to use a toaster. So to read about a women of my time trying to navigate the ancient world was refreshing!

Suffice to say, I loved it. 

It's not only the writing though: it's the characters. Shannon is hilariously lovely. Her witty and charismatic turn of phrase is always going to make you smile. She's caring, understanding and eventually takes her duties seriously while standing in. Not to mention, she's pretty much a feminist, which makes some of the conversations between her and ClanFintan (stoutly male/horsey man) all the more entertaining. I love strong female characters and the juxtaposition between her and her horsey love interest is always a good thing to read about.
 ClanFintan is also an exceptionally well written character. He's the guy everyone secretly (yes, even you heterosexual males!) fantasies about! He's moody, he's commanding, he's loyal and he has secrets... Shannon and Clan's repartee is always top notch throughout the entire book.  Plus, he's a warrior and if I'm completely honest, there were parts in the book - like the fantastic battle scenes - where I wanted to be him. Charging into the oncoming enemy, my hooves clicking into the mud and the wind in my braids - well, who wouldn't want to do that?


Come on, give the Divine Series a chance... you won't regret it!

Secondly, let's talk about the Goddess Summoning series: 

I'm going to be skipping a few in the series, but you can check the rest of the series here, if you're interested! I really need to talk about number 4 - it's my ultimate favourite and I have to broadcast it to the world (see what I did there?).

Number 4 - Goddess of the Rose

Piatkus Cover

Blurb: 

It's not green fingers that have kept the Empousai family's roses blooming for centuries - it's the drops of blood that their women secretly sacrifice for their gardens. But Mikki would rather forget this family quirk and lead a normal life. Until the day she unwittingly performs a ritual and ends up in the strangely familiar Realm of the Rose. As its goddess, Hecate, reveals to her, Mikki has the blood of a high priestess running through her veins. And the realm has been waiting for her . . .

In a long ago flash of temper, Hecate cursed her Guardian beast with a slumber that only her priestess can undo - and Hecate is counting on Mikki to set things right. At first the beast terrifies Mikki - but soon he intrigues her more than any man ever has. But the only way he and the realm can be saved is for Mikki to sacrifice her life-giving blood - and herself . . .

When I saw the Goddess of the Rose in Waterstones, I knew I had to have it. based of the classic fairy tale Beauty and the Beast, Cast injects some mythological magic into the story and breathes new life into the somewhat over done tale. Cast also injects a sense of intelligence into her writing. She pulls the romance genre out of the bodice rippers I love bodice rippers and channels it into an accessible genre - one that you wouldn't be ashamed to read on the bus. This series is fun, intelligent, sophisticated and of course, raunchy. 

Mikki Empousai has magic in her blood. A gifted gardener, she knows a few things about roses and so when Mikki ends up in the Realm of the Rose and priestess to the goddess Hecate, she feels like she's came home. Not to mention that the realm's beastly guardian intrigues Mikki to no end. 

 In the end, this story is basic in it's principles: girl, beast, gods, priestesses, dinner, love. Simples. The way Cast portrays Mikki and her beastly boyfriend is a great bow to the original story, but also a great spin on it too, bringing it quite literally into another dimension. As always Cast brings it fiercely with the contrast between 21st century girl and the ancient world brilliantly in this book. Her scenes are woven with majesty and have real attention to detail, which should always be expected in a Cast novel. However, there is something about Goddess of the Rose that keeps me coming back. Somehow Cast has made me intimately attached to the characters in the book. It has a permanent place on my bookshelf and it always will!

Is it a bit late to say 'Happy New Year'?

So far, my schedule has been humped and I haven't had too much time to write reviews until now! Luckily, I have been able to read in the time I've been away and I have two lovely, heart-warming books on the line up for you. These two came in a 3 for £10 bundle on Amazon, which have some seriously feelgood fiction up for grabs right now. Click here to see the full range!

Firstly, we have The Vintage Girl by Hester Brown. 

Quercus UK cover, 2014

Rating: M - chit-lit, light and happy

Post feels - Content with life

Blurb:

When Evie Nicholson is asked to visit Kettlesheer Castle in Scotland to archive the family heirlooms, she jumps at the

chance. Evie's passion for antiques means that, for her, the castle is a treasure trove of mysteries just waiting to be uncovered.
But in each heirloom lies a story, and in the course of her investigations Evie stumbles upon some long-buried family secrets. Add handsome, gloomy heir Robert McAndrew and a traditional candlelit gala to the mix, and Evie's heart is sent reeling with an enthusiasm that may just extend beyond the
Kettlesheer silver...  

Now, I'm pretty sure this has been published under 'Swept Off Her Feet' too, however, I just bought my copy and the seemingly new cover and name seems to be a change of publisher. The picture on the left is the most recent publication. The change is understandable if you read the book. In my opinion, the old cover doesn't really relate to the story, as most of the dancing is nearer the end. 

I really enjoyed this quick read with likeable and real characters. I'm always drawn to books with quirky settings and people to match and The Vintage Girl certainly delivered. The story itself is all about Evie and her obsession with all things old, tatty and historical. She particularly likes coffee stained photographs of lacy weddings and the lives which they represent, much to her antique dealer boss's dismay. At the beginning of the novel, we meet Evie who's job is already in jeopardy and when the opportunity to go to Kettlesheer Castle in the Scottish borders, she jumps at the chance. Imagine the historical possibilities! And Evie does imagine...a lot. She has an overactive imagination. From fancying unattainable men my favourite past time to recreating the steps and actions of the old Lady of the Manor, Violet, Evie is certainly a likeable character. 

However, this book is jam-packed with them: Alice, Evie's over-organized, control-freak of a sister, Fraser, Alice's lovely and dutiful tweed wearing boyfriend and Evie's secret crush, but also the people of Kettlesheer, from the nosy neighbours to the debt ridden owners of the castle and their anti-clutter son, Robert... 

Browne really gets it right with the spirit of the community and family in this book which really gets your feeling warm and fuzzing just thinking of it. Of course, its not a book for long drawn out plot lines, instead its short and snappy, aiming to give the reader as much satisfaction that it's 352 pages can offer. There's romance, history, nosy neighbours, and handsome heroes - everything you need from a chic-lit book. So, how about you grab that cup of coco and sit with your feet up and dive into the world of Hester Browne and see how you like it?

I promise you won't regret it.

 

Next up! 

 

It's The Oyster Catcher by Jo Thomas. 

Headline Review, 2014

Rating: M - sea, rain and warm fuzzing feeling! y

Post feels - "Where's my passport, I'm off to Galway!"

Blurb:
Dooleybridge, County Galway. Population: 482 (or thereabouts). The last place Fiona Clutterbuck expects to end up, alone, on her wedding night. But after the words 'I do' have barely left her mouth, that's exactly where she is - with only her sequined shoes and a crashed camper van for company.

One thing is certain: Fi can't go back. So when the opportunity arises to work for Sean Thornton, the local oyster farmer, she jumps at the chance. Now Fi must navigate suspicious locals, jealous rivals and a wild, unpredictable boss if she's to find a new life, and love, on the Irish coast. And nothing - not even a chronic fear of water - is going to hold her back.

Join Fi on her romantic, unpredictable adventure as she learns the rules of the ocean - and picks up a few pearls of Irish       wisdom along the way...


Now, I have literally just finished this book just last night and lets just say, I slept like a milk-filled baby. I felt so warm and happy after reading The Oyster Catcher that I'm actually considering blowing everything off and running away to Galway! You know when a book comes along and you just instinctively know that you're going to love every minute of it? Yes? Well, that was me with The Oyster Catcher. I knew instantly. That, my friends, is what we call 'the book of love' don't kill me because of that terrible pun!. Anyhoo, it was just what I needed on a cold, snowy Glaswegian night to cheer me up and transport me to a happy place in my head. 

The Oyster Catcher follows Fiona Clutterbuck, a.k.a Fi English, who after having the worst wedding of the century, she jumps into the first car she can find and manages to end up crashing it in a small oyster farming town, Dooleybridge. Like any off-the-beaton-track town, it's slightly rundown due to the lack of oyster farming in the area and full of nosy locals wondering who and why this mysterious women in a jumper and tatty gown has just landed on their doorstep. I was honestly surprised that for a bunch of loveable but inquisitive bunch they weren't more suspicious of Fi and her arrival in town, but perhaps for the sake of a story, the locals were tamed slightly. Enter Sean Thornton, local oyster farmer looking for an out of town blow in to be a Girl Friday. With no money and no home, Fi takes the job and begins working for the tempestuous oyster farmer. However, there is one hiccup - Fi is terrified of water. So with nosy locals, oyster pirates, jealous rivals and a two love sick donkeys to contend with its a miracle Fi even finds her footing, let alone love. 
 

I would definitely give this book a shot if you happen to see it. It's not only written precisely and easily, but the story is lovely and utterly heartwarming. I know it's going on my bookshelf, waiting for those cold, winter nights when I need a cozy story to get me through the night.