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littlebirdbooks's reviews
468 reviews
An Offer You Can't Refuse by Jill Mansell
4.0
I've wanted to read this book for a long time and just never got round to it. As I'm ploughing through my paperbacks I thought it would be a good time to pick it up and I'm glad I didn't wait any longer!
I really felt for Lola, I thought she was a great character and her reasons for doing what she did were right even though it meant losing the love of her life. In addition to this we see a lot of her thoughts during the novel and it kept me amused, in fact I saw a bit of myself in some of the things that she came out with. We're introduced to Lola when she's seventeen and when the offer is first given and her reason for her actions. We then see her a few years later when she arrives back in England and then we're introduced to the present day Lola. I liked the book starting like this because it showed you the background of the character and still throwing you straight into the plot.
The plot was brilliant and was carried out perfectly. I also liked the sub plot however I didn't like one of the characters involved. I found it incredibly hard to like Sally's character, I thought she was frustrating and annoying most of the time. I didn't particularly like hearing about her part of the story because she was always doing something that I didn't like. Wasn't exactly surprised at the outcome of her story because I had seen it coming from the start, really. I liked all of the male characters, Gabe, EJ Mack and Nick (in particular) made me laugh, some of the things that they said were just great. However there was Dougie, who seemed perfect and from the start I think every reader has the same ending in mind. I would have liked to have seen more of him in the book.
There were a lot of great twists in the book that just wanted me to keep on reading it. I hated putting the book down and if I had the opportunity I would have been able to read it all in one day. I would keep telling myself that I'd only read one more chapter but by doing that I uncovered another new twist and I had to read another chapter to see what would happen. Jill Mansell is a fantastic author who knows how to pull out all of the stops. The idea caught my eye, which is the case with most books, but unlike most books it did the idea justice rather than disappointing me.
I was very happy with the ending however a part of me wanted an epilogue just to see how the characters were doing a couple of months on. Although, everything that needed to be said was said at the end of the book and I can understand why she wouldn't have wanted to drag it out as sometimes that can ruin the endings of the book. I loved reading this, it was funny and it had a lot of drama in it. The only reason it didn't get five stars was because there were a couple of characters I didn't get along with.
I really felt for Lola, I thought she was a great character and her reasons for doing what she did were right even though it meant losing the love of her life. In addition to this we see a lot of her thoughts during the novel and it kept me amused, in fact I saw a bit of myself in some of the things that she came out with. We're introduced to Lola when she's seventeen and when the offer is first given and her reason for her actions. We then see her a few years later when she arrives back in England and then we're introduced to the present day Lola. I liked the book starting like this because it showed you the background of the character and still throwing you straight into the plot.
The plot was brilliant and was carried out perfectly. I also liked the sub plot however I didn't like one of the characters involved. I found it incredibly hard to like Sally's character, I thought she was frustrating and annoying most of the time. I didn't particularly like hearing about her part of the story because she was always doing something that I didn't like. Wasn't exactly surprised at the outcome of her story because I had seen it coming from the start, really. I liked all of the male characters, Gabe, EJ Mack and Nick (in particular) made me laugh, some of the things that they said were just great. However there was Dougie, who seemed perfect and from the start I think every reader has the same ending in mind. I would have liked to have seen more of him in the book.
There were a lot of great twists in the book that just wanted me to keep on reading it. I hated putting the book down and if I had the opportunity I would have been able to read it all in one day. I would keep telling myself that I'd only read one more chapter but by doing that I uncovered another new twist and I had to read another chapter to see what would happen. Jill Mansell is a fantastic author who knows how to pull out all of the stops. The idea caught my eye, which is the case with most books, but unlike most books it did the idea justice rather than disappointing me.
I was very happy with the ending however a part of me wanted an epilogue just to see how the characters were doing a couple of months on. Although, everything that needed to be said was said at the end of the book and I can understand why she wouldn't have wanted to drag it out as sometimes that can ruin the endings of the book. I loved reading this, it was funny and it had a lot of drama in it. The only reason it didn't get five stars was because there were a couple of characters I didn't get along with.
Johnny Be Good by Paige Toon
5.0
Wow. Wow. I've not been able to put this down, I've been so gripped. I loved it. The story was fantastic, the characters were great and there were times when it was genuinely unpredictable!
When we start Meg Stiles has just got a job working for the baddest boy in rock Johnny Jefferson. As I've mentioned before in some stories the main male character was meant to have a bad boy reputation and never lived up to it, however this one certainly did. He frustrated me constantly but I just couldn't not like him, he was irresistible. I don't know how Meg had the patience to deal with him.
It was great to see a story where the outcome wasn't set from the beginning, I certainly wouldn't have thought it would have ended where it did. I was shocked when I read it which means I'm now desperate for the sequel to come out! I have my theories on it as everyone who has read the book does. Throughout the story there was a few mysteries about certain characters and my opinion changed on a couple constantly. I want to know what happened to a couple of characters as they didn't seem to come back up again, usually I'd mark a book down for this but knowing there's a sequel changes that as it's probably going to come up there to add more drama.
There were many times in the book when I was laughing out loud, especially when Christian and Meg were talking about sweets and things. Not only that but there were times when Johnny was drunk and he was quite amusing (however there were more times when he was drunk where he was extremely frustrating). It's been a long time since I've been able to pick up a book and not be able to put it down and find it simply perfect.
I've wanted to get my hands on this for a while because of all the good reviews I've seen about it and it just sounded like a book that I would enjoy. After reading Pictures Of Lily I had thoroughly enjoyed Paige Toon's writing. Now after reading a second book I'll definitely be reading more (starting with the sequel to this). This book is the type of book that I'll be reading again and again and again.
I'd like to thank Leah for bringing this book to my attention, it's now become one of my favourites and a must read!
When we start Meg Stiles has just got a job working for the baddest boy in rock Johnny Jefferson. As I've mentioned before in some stories the main male character was meant to have a bad boy reputation and never lived up to it, however this one certainly did. He frustrated me constantly but I just couldn't not like him, he was irresistible. I don't know how Meg had the patience to deal with him.
It was great to see a story where the outcome wasn't set from the beginning, I certainly wouldn't have thought it would have ended where it did. I was shocked when I read it which means I'm now desperate for the sequel to come out! I have my theories on it as everyone who has read the book does. Throughout the story there was a few mysteries about certain characters and my opinion changed on a couple constantly. I want to know what happened to a couple of characters as they didn't seem to come back up again, usually I'd mark a book down for this but knowing there's a sequel changes that as it's probably going to come up there to add more drama.
There were many times in the book when I was laughing out loud, especially when Christian and Meg were talking about sweets and things. Not only that but there were times when Johnny was drunk and he was quite amusing (however there were more times when he was drunk where he was extremely frustrating). It's been a long time since I've been able to pick up a book and not be able to put it down and find it simply perfect.
I've wanted to get my hands on this for a while because of all the good reviews I've seen about it and it just sounded like a book that I would enjoy. After reading Pictures Of Lily I had thoroughly enjoyed Paige Toon's writing. Now after reading a second book I'll definitely be reading more (starting with the sequel to this). This book is the type of book that I'll be reading again and again and again.
I'd like to thank Leah for bringing this book to my attention, it's now become one of my favourites and a must read!
From Notting Hill with Love... Actually by Ali McNamara
5.0
I've wanted to read this book for a while, the cover drew me to it and the fact that it has one of my all time favourite films in the title (Love Actually). I know that there are a lot of books out there that try to take on scenes from the classic films and try to pass them off as their own and it usually ends up looking like a trashy cliche. A lot of people would be skeptical of this book on just seeing the title but I'm sure they're not disappointed when they read it, I certainly wasn't!
Scarlett is just the type of character that appeals to me! She's a daydreamer, she creates her own different worlds to make reality seem a more interesting place to live. Although, by doing this, she did find herself in some tricky situations. Everyone that has known Scarlett for most of her life know that she's movie obsessed and they all want her to stop. Her dad and best friend give her the opportunity to live in the place where most of her dreams come from. Notting Hill. She wants to live life like it is in the movies, just to know that's possible. Whilst she's there she meets all sorts of people! I liked Oscar straight away!
I thought all the characters were presented well. My least favourite would have been David, I didn't like the way he came across as controlling. I was very intrigued by Sean! He was a great character to add to the mix to give the story more depth than just Scarlett hunting for movie scenes (although Sean provided her with plenty)! There were times when I found it hard to like Maddie, I think I just didn't like the characters that said they had Scarletts best interests at heart but always seemed to be putting her down.
I couldn't put the book down! There were moments when I laughed out loud and there were moments when there were tears brewing in my eyes. The book ended it the way I thought it should, however I didn't know how much of a tender scene that would be! There was a moment close to the end where I felt my ideal, happy ending, crashing down. Again, the twists in this book were gripping. I was reading it at night and I kept promising myself I'd just read one more chapter then I'd stop. But I'd always carry on reading!
Right up until the end I was beaming! This is a great book for movie lovers and day dreamers!
Scarlett is just the type of character that appeals to me! She's a daydreamer, she creates her own different worlds to make reality seem a more interesting place to live. Although, by doing this, she did find herself in some tricky situations. Everyone that has known Scarlett for most of her life know that she's movie obsessed and they all want her to stop. Her dad and best friend give her the opportunity to live in the place where most of her dreams come from. Notting Hill. She wants to live life like it is in the movies, just to know that's possible. Whilst she's there she meets all sorts of people! I liked Oscar straight away!
I thought all the characters were presented well. My least favourite would have been David, I didn't like the way he came across as controlling. I was very intrigued by Sean! He was a great character to add to the mix to give the story more depth than just Scarlett hunting for movie scenes (although Sean provided her with plenty)! There were times when I found it hard to like Maddie, I think I just didn't like the characters that said they had Scarletts best interests at heart but always seemed to be putting her down.
I couldn't put the book down! There were moments when I laughed out loud and there were moments when there were tears brewing in my eyes. The book ended it the way I thought it should, however I didn't know how much of a tender scene that would be! There was a moment close to the end where I felt my ideal, happy ending, crashing down. Again, the twists in this book were gripping. I was reading it at night and I kept promising myself I'd just read one more chapter then I'd stop. But I'd always carry on reading!
Right up until the end I was beaming! This is a great book for movie lovers and day dreamers!
The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks
4.0
I don't know where to begin with this book. The writing was amazing and made me feel so many emotions! I loved the way it started in the present day and then you were sucked into the past through the notebook. The relationship between Noah and Allie was beautiful. They seemed perfect together. I loved being in the past because you could really see their relationship come back. At first I was a bit confused when it happened as one minute you were in the hospital and the next you were thrown into their story.
The whole plot was simply incredible. It was a simple plot of a family trying to prevent a relationship from happening and how they are now. It's a beautiful story about how love can overcome everything. You were shown this more towards the end of the book where the words were blurred by the tears forming in my eyes! I loved the characters and at first I couldn't understand Allie's decision but then it all made sense and I was happy.
When I got to the end I was slightly bewildered to what had happened. It was a beautiful ending and I loved that that's where it ended. I've never read a Nicholas Sparks book before but I know that his signature is the fact that you'll be in tears at some point during the book and it's true. However it's not because of what happens, it's more the way he describes it, an emotional scene isn't emotional if it's not written right. Whereas Sparks manages to write so tenderly to make you feel things for the characters you never would have done. I admire Noah a lot, especially when you see him in the hospital, he's willing to be patient and wait for her to come back to him. For her to remember.
I also loved the way they added letters into the story to really show how much they were in love but in their own words. It added another depth to the book and showing more sides to the characters. Lon was also an interesting character to have in the book, even though he didn't make many appearances he did have a lot of influence in the book. Bit too much for my liking as I felt so much for Noah.
I would definitely read another Nicholas Sparks book as his writing is just sensational.
The whole plot was simply incredible. It was a simple plot of a family trying to prevent a relationship from happening and how they are now. It's a beautiful story about how love can overcome everything. You were shown this more towards the end of the book where the words were blurred by the tears forming in my eyes! I loved the characters and at first I couldn't understand Allie's decision but then it all made sense and I was happy.
When I got to the end I was slightly bewildered to what had happened. It was a beautiful ending and I loved that that's where it ended. I've never read a Nicholas Sparks book before but I know that his signature is the fact that you'll be in tears at some point during the book and it's true. However it's not because of what happens, it's more the way he describes it, an emotional scene isn't emotional if it's not written right. Whereas Sparks manages to write so tenderly to make you feel things for the characters you never would have done. I admire Noah a lot, especially when you see him in the hospital, he's willing to be patient and wait for her to come back to him. For her to remember.
I also loved the way they added letters into the story to really show how much they were in love but in their own words. It added another depth to the book and showing more sides to the characters. Lon was also an interesting character to have in the book, even though he didn't make many appearances he did have a lot of influence in the book. Bit too much for my liking as I felt so much for Noah.
I would definitely read another Nicholas Sparks book as his writing is just sensational.
Shopaholic and Sister by Sophie Kinsella
3.0
Unlike most people I'm finding Becky Brandon (nee Bloomwood) hard to like. At first I didn't and enjoyed the character but now I find her extremely frustrating, desperate and very annoying. This story didn't present her any different, in fact I think she was worse than the first three in the series. She seems to becoming more and more desperate. I think before this story it would have been nice to see their whole honeymoon as it sounded very interesting and it would have been nice to see how they have progressed over the time of being married.
The start of the book was amusing, I liked the image of the new Luke Brandon (but would change back upon arriving in reality) and there were plenty of new characters to add to the mix which made it more exciting. When Becky decides to surprise everyone by going back to England it doesn't go exactly to plan (even though what she was expecting wasn't exactly realistic) with her parents hiding something from her and her best friend, Suze, seems to have replaced her for Lulu.
As I mentioned before, Lulu isn't the only new character in the story. As the title of the book suggests, Becky finds out that she has a long lost sister, her "kindred sprit". This is another reason why I found Becky particularly difficult in this book. She just assumed that her and her sister would become best friends (and even then, she only really wanted that to get back at Suze) and was extremely surprised when she found out they were complete opposites. I really liked Jess, I thought she was a great level-headed character in contrast with Becky. There were times when I found some of her ideas ridiculous but it was nice to see the conflict. In addition to new characters there was Nathan Temple who has a secret of his own. He's not all he seems when you first meeting.
I really enjoyed the plot of this book and I liked that Becky got more of a wake up call when it comes to her spending. I, also, particularly liked the scene with Becky and Jess on the mountain. Just like the rest of the Shopaholic series the action keeps going right until the end! It was a great way to end the book linking in very well with the next one.
The start of the book was amusing, I liked the image of the new Luke Brandon (but would change back upon arriving in reality) and there were plenty of new characters to add to the mix which made it more exciting. When Becky decides to surprise everyone by going back to England it doesn't go exactly to plan (even though what she was expecting wasn't exactly realistic) with her parents hiding something from her and her best friend, Suze, seems to have replaced her for Lulu.
As I mentioned before, Lulu isn't the only new character in the story. As the title of the book suggests, Becky finds out that she has a long lost sister, her "kindred sprit". This is another reason why I found Becky particularly difficult in this book. She just assumed that her and her sister would become best friends (and even then, she only really wanted that to get back at Suze) and was extremely surprised when she found out they were complete opposites. I really liked Jess, I thought she was a great level-headed character in contrast with Becky. There were times when I found some of her ideas ridiculous but it was nice to see the conflict. In addition to new characters there was Nathan Temple who has a secret of his own. He's not all he seems when you first meeting.
I really enjoyed the plot of this book and I liked that Becky got more of a wake up call when it comes to her spending. I, also, particularly liked the scene with Becky and Jess on the mountain. Just like the rest of the Shopaholic series the action keeps going right until the end! It was a great way to end the book linking in very well with the next one.
Shopaholic and Baby by Sophie Kinsella
4.0
After the problems I had with Becky in the last book I was a bit skeptical about picking up the next installment. However, I'm very glad I did! I warmed to her more in this book, it might have been because this time she had an excuse for overreacting - she was pregnant. I found this book much funnier than the last and the drama in it made me really feel for Becky. The only thing she did in the whole book that really annoyed me was by going to Venetia and she quickly realised that she shouldn't have done. I felt that it was a fitting way for her to realise that she should have stayed where she was. Although by going to her it provided a lot of twists in the book!
I like the fact that Jess is in this book again and has caught the eye of Tom! Which turns out to be an adventure in itself. Even though they're not a main feature in the book it's still nice to have a side plot, developing Jess' character and Tom's when he's just been in the background for so long. You also see a different side of Janice in this book, especially towards the end, and I didn't like that side of her. Lulu also makes another reappearance but not is all well in her and Suze's friendship. Again there is a particularly funny image towards the end of the book which Suze found pleasure in and so did I! Speaking of recurring characters, Danny came back! It was great to have him in the book again. I loved the T-shirt that he designed about a certain red-head.
The whole book is about how Becky is coping with the pregnancy and all the different things that happen to her whilst she's pregnant. This kept me very amused, this is my favourite in the series so far! I was laughing straight away when she was at the office, getting the first look at her baby. When she thought she was talking to it tickled me the most! As I mentioned before, I really felt for Becky with all the drama going on around her! Being pregnant it was even harder on her. I also like the lengths she went to, to find certain things out.
When she was in labour too was a great moment in the book! Like I said, this is definitely my favourite out of the series. I can't wait to see how Becky is coping with motherhood in the next book!
I like the fact that Jess is in this book again and has caught the eye of Tom! Which turns out to be an adventure in itself. Even though they're not a main feature in the book it's still nice to have a side plot, developing Jess' character and Tom's when he's just been in the background for so long. You also see a different side of Janice in this book, especially towards the end, and I didn't like that side of her. Lulu also makes another reappearance but not is all well in her and Suze's friendship. Again there is a particularly funny image towards the end of the book which Suze found pleasure in and so did I! Speaking of recurring characters, Danny came back! It was great to have him in the book again. I loved the T-shirt that he designed about a certain red-head.
The whole book is about how Becky is coping with the pregnancy and all the different things that happen to her whilst she's pregnant. This kept me very amused, this is my favourite in the series so far! I was laughing straight away when she was at the office, getting the first look at her baby. When she thought she was talking to it tickled me the most! As I mentioned before, I really felt for Becky with all the drama going on around her! Being pregnant it was even harder on her. I also like the lengths she went to, to find certain things out.
When she was in labour too was a great moment in the book! Like I said, this is definitely my favourite out of the series. I can't wait to see how Becky is coping with motherhood in the next book!
Practically Perfect by Katie Fforde
4.0
I love Katie Fforde's books, you always know where you are with them. They represent a wonderful fairy tale like lifestyle with real life twists, turns and complications. At first I did find the book hard to get into, however I don't put this down to the writing or plot but because I had read four books in the weekend that I started this one and it was probably too much for me. However, once I did get into the book (which was by the third chapter) I loved it and kept going with it!
I loved Anna, she was a great character. She was an independent woman who didn't like to rely on anyone and wasn't tied down to anyone. Just her work which she loved. When you first meet her you see that she is headstrong and once she's got an idea into her head there's no stopping her (as her sister Laura found out). When she had got to her project you were then introduced to her neighbour Chloe, and together they formed a great friendship which I loved. They got close quick and the addition of her children was also nice. It's nice to have that kind of break from some of the seriousness in a novel.
Speaking of seriousness, for chick-lit you expect it to be light hearted, and this book was. There was, however, some wonderful unexpected twists to keep you on your toes! It was great to see the book change so quickly, especially for some of the characters. Also, when Anna finally came to her senses about one potential love interest I was very relieved! In novels, I'm very interested when there are two love interests (in this Max and Rob) because it makes the novel slightly more unpredictable, and you start making choices for the character and the ending that you want. As usual I had my clear favourite.
The characters in this book were pretty perfect for me. They all had some sort of humour or charm about them (particularly on the first meeting) and some where easier to fall in love with than others (my favourite love interest for example). They all had some kind of depth and drama to add to their situations right until the very end! Which left me rather angry for a little bit at the end before I got to it. However, that is the sign of a great writer/book you get so into it you want the best for your favourite characters and you're pretty much heartbroken when it doesn't go your way, or appears that way.
The whole book was just a great read. Despite the difficulties I had at first they were easily overcome. The only reason I didn't give it the full five stars is because I would like there to have been an epilogue or something at the end to show the characters how they were getting on after everything that had happened.
I loved Anna, she was a great character. She was an independent woman who didn't like to rely on anyone and wasn't tied down to anyone. Just her work which she loved. When you first meet her you see that she is headstrong and once she's got an idea into her head there's no stopping her (as her sister Laura found out). When she had got to her project you were then introduced to her neighbour Chloe, and together they formed a great friendship which I loved. They got close quick and the addition of her children was also nice. It's nice to have that kind of break from some of the seriousness in a novel.
Speaking of seriousness, for chick-lit you expect it to be light hearted, and this book was. There was, however, some wonderful unexpected twists to keep you on your toes! It was great to see the book change so quickly, especially for some of the characters. Also, when Anna finally came to her senses about one potential love interest I was very relieved! In novels, I'm very interested when there are two love interests (in this Max and Rob) because it makes the novel slightly more unpredictable, and you start making choices for the character and the ending that you want. As usual I had my clear favourite.
The characters in this book were pretty perfect for me. They all had some sort of humour or charm about them (particularly on the first meeting) and some where easier to fall in love with than others (my favourite love interest for example). They all had some kind of depth and drama to add to their situations right until the very end! Which left me rather angry for a little bit at the end before I got to it. However, that is the sign of a great writer/book you get so into it you want the best for your favourite characters and you're pretty much heartbroken when it doesn't go your way, or appears that way.
The whole book was just a great read. Despite the difficulties I had at first they were easily overcome. The only reason I didn't give it the full five stars is because I would like there to have been an epilogue or something at the end to show the characters how they were getting on after everything that had happened.
Jenny Lopez Has a Bad Week by Lindsey Kelk
4.0
I know it's a short story but I can't believe I finished it in under an hour! I just didn't want to put it down! I love Jenny in the I Heart series (although there are times when I can barely tolerate her) so was pleased to see how her life is getting on, and unfortunately it's not going too well.
I loved the recurring characters from the I Heart series which make an appearance and get mentioned (even thought I was quite surprised by one of them) - it's nice to see how everything carries on after the I Heart books have ended (and now I'm currently, eagerly, awaiting for the next installment)! There was humour in the book which is always good, despite Jenny having a bad week. The only problem I had with her is that she's too proud and even though she had a way out of one of her problems she wouldn't take it. I did feel bad for her with Jeff's news, I would like it in the new I Heart book for her to get with him however it ended in a way where it seems doubtful, however it was a good ending! Although it was far too sudden for my liking. Personally I'd love more of these kind of books to be published to see how she gets on.
Being only a short book I don't know what else I can say about it, the plot was great (even if she did seem whiny at times); there was a great ending as most of the loose ends were nicely tied; it was nice for it to still have the feel of the I Heart books with things that are familiar to the reader and there were a couple of new and interesting characters to add to the mix which may return in the main series, which would be interesting to see.
All in all, it was a great book and I'm pleased I had found out about it. This has been a great filler for the wait of the new I Heart book and for Lindsey's latest novel of The Single Girls To Do List.
I loved the recurring characters from the I Heart series which make an appearance and get mentioned (even thought I was quite surprised by one of them) - it's nice to see how everything carries on after the I Heart books have ended (and now I'm currently, eagerly, awaiting for the next installment)! There was humour in the book which is always good, despite Jenny having a bad week. The only problem I had with her is that she's too proud and even though she had a way out of one of her problems she wouldn't take it. I did feel bad for her with Jeff's news, I would like it in the new I Heart book for her to get with him however it ended in a way where it seems doubtful, however it was a good ending! Although it was far too sudden for my liking. Personally I'd love more of these kind of books to be published to see how she gets on.
Being only a short book I don't know what else I can say about it, the plot was great (even if she did seem whiny at times); there was a great ending as most of the loose ends were nicely tied; it was nice for it to still have the feel of the I Heart books with things that are familiar to the reader and there were a couple of new and interesting characters to add to the mix which may return in the main series, which would be interesting to see.
All in all, it was a great book and I'm pleased I had found out about it. This has been a great filler for the wait of the new I Heart book and for Lindsey's latest novel of The Single Girls To Do List.