I loved it.....

Lot of water under the bridge, but things have changed.

noreply@blogger.com (Ellie) — Thu, 05 May 2011 01:40:00 +0000

We almost, nearly, just about, forgot to tell you that I Loved It... blog has been superseded in the blog-o-sphere and, like the Velveteen Rabbit, is not part of our lives any more.

Central Highlands Regional Library Corporation has a new website, and as part of the revamp, there's a new review blog, with the same name (we were able to keep all past reviews).

If you are a subscriber to this blog, we haven't been able to transfer you to the new blog. To continue receiving notices when we post, you'll need to re-subscribe on the new blog.

I Loved It... was our foray into the world of blogs. We'd like to thank you for your support, your reviews, comments and your readership.

We look forward to your company on our new look Blog.

GREAT!!

Eliza's Gift by Rachael Herron

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle) — Sun, 17 Apr 2011 23:33:00 +0000

When Abigail Durant inherits a cottage from her friend, the world famous knitting guru Eliza Carpenter, she sees it as her chance to start anew after the terrifying end of her last relationship. Only problem is, the cottage is slap-bang in the middle of a sheep ranch owned by Cade MacArthur, Eliza's tall, dark and infuriating nephew. Cade's a man's man, a cowboy through and through, and he's none too pleased there's now a young - albeit very pretty - woman living on his property. And that's before she tells him she plans to turn her new home into a knitting shop. With battlelines drawn, city girl and cowboy go head to head. But soon, with the sexual chemistry fizzing between them, both start to question the real nature of Eliza's gift... (from the publisher).
Who would've thought you could combine cowboys and craft? Well, it works! This is one of those "will they or won't they?" chicklit's. Set in the Californian country side, the story takes a little persevering although once hooked, you cannot put it down.
If you are an animal lover and can get past the knitting jargon, "How to Knit a Love Song" (the American title) is an enjoyable, feel-good romance.
Rating - I give this 4/5 GREAT!!

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Reviewed by Claire @ admin

Van Diemen's Land by James Boyce

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle) — Sun, 10 Apr 2011 22:43:00 +0000

Just before I went to Tasmania in November I heard about James Boyce’s Van Diemen’s Land and began reading but didn’t finish it until I came back to Ballarat. It was such a revelation. It may seem like fairly heavy going to read a history book for fun, and I admit, I am developing quite a relationship with Lieut-Governor Collins, who was with the First Fleet, at Sorrento and then Hobart – I even visited his memorial while in Hobart, so you see, I am a sad case – but James Boyce presents Tasmania’s history in such a different way. We all swallowed that story about the penal settlement and so on, but the in-depth history is much more than you could ever expect, and far more interesting, provoking and fascinating than what we were fed at school. Seems every second person is saying they are off to Tassie, this book is really a must-read if you are heading that way or recently come back. The thing Boyce suggests is that all that history is still reverberating in Tasmania, and I think he might be right. Tasmanians are still sliding away and building themselves little shacks in (what’s left of) the forests, and he suggests this comes from convict times, a refusal to be part of the new settlers’ society. He looks to the way people made lives for themselves in remote and difficult places as examples to us in this day and age of climate change, rampant consumerism, and resource exploitation. Even the name change from VDL to Tasmania becomes a little suspect. I suppose plenty will want to argue about what he says regarding the Tasmanian Aborigines as well, but Boyce has certainly done his research. It’s a really really fascinating read; if you love Tasmania like I do, it will become even more elusive and enigmatic; if you’ve never been there, get your skates on! Boyce will prepare you far better than any slick tourist guide.
Rating - I give this 5/5 GREAT!!
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Reviewed by Edith @ Australiana Room

Awakened [The House of Night series] by PC Cast and Kristen Cast

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle) — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 23:08:00 +0000

Exonerated by the Vampyre High Council and returned to her position of High Priestess at Tulsa’s House of Night, Neferet has sworn vengeance on Zoey. Dominion over her immortal consort Kalona is only one of the weapons she plans to use against Z. But Zoey has found sanctuary on the Isle of Skye and is being groomed by Queen Sgiach to take over for her there. Being Queen would be cool, wouldn’t it? Why should she return to Tulsa? After losing her human consort, Heath, she will never be the same – and her relationship with her super-hot-warrior, Stark, may never be the same either… (from the publisher).
I don't know why I keep reading this series as it annoys me a bit, particularly as there seems to be a strong element of lack of respect for authority; and the way some of the characters speak irks me sometime too. But something keeps drawing me back - I fully blame my sister for this. The series does have a different twist on the whole vampire genre - you have to go to school to learn about becoming a vampire after being Marked, not bitten. This book is the eighth in the series and has a few surprises in it, albeit not all good ones.
Rating - I give this 3/5 Hmmm...

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See a list of the series
Reviewed by Michelle @ admin

Kitchen classics - pastries and breads by Jane Price

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle) — Sun, 03 Apr 2011 23:08:00 +0000

I love this cookbook. Really love it. Really.
If you are a fan of pastry in any shape form or size, then this is the book for you. I dare you to try their mouthwatering curry chicken pies, or the heavenly rhubarb lattice pie. There are tarts, flans, pies, bread, rolls, croissants, sweets, savories; the only problem with this book is the kilos I gained when I started sampling it's delights. If you haven't heard of this book, seek it out. Now.
Hmmm, getting hungry- fancy a flan anyone?
Rating - I give this 4/5 GREAT!!

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Reviewed by Imogen @ home

Still life : inside the Antarctic huts of Scott and Shackleton by Jane Ussher

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle) — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 21:55:00 +0000

Still Life is a unique and hauntingly beautiful photographic study of the Antarctic huts that served as expedition bases for explorations led by Captain Robert Falcon Scott and Sir Ernest Shackleton. At the turn of the twentieth century Antarctica was the focus of one of the last great races of exploration and discovery. Known as the 'heroic age', from 1895 to 1917 Antarctic explorers set off from their huts in search of adventure, science and glory but some, such as Scott, were never to return. The World Wars intervened and the huts were left as time capsules of Edwardian life; a portrait of King Edward VII hangs amid seal blubber, sides of mutton, a jar of gherkins, penguin eggs, cufflinks and darned trousers. One of New Zealand's best known photographers, Jane Ussher, was invited by the Antarctic Heritage Trust to record 'the unusual, the hidden and minutiae of these sites'. The Executive Director of the Trust, Nigel Watson, provides a fascinating introduction to the history and atmosphere of each hut and detailed photographic captions (from the publisher).
I have always been interested in anything to do with Shackleton (a great story of survival). This book contains so many amazing photographs of what is essentially a time capsule of a time gone by as there has been little human interference made to the huts since the men left them around one hundred years ago.
Rating - I give this 5/5GREAT!!

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Reviewed by Michelle @ admin

Bright star DVD

noreply@blogger.com (Jan) — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 05:42:00 +0000

Bright star is one of the most moving and beautiful films I have seen. It's finely drawn, the costumes are gorgeous, the performances sublime and the story is just so darn tragic. Any of us who have 'done' John Keats' poetry at school knows the story of the romantic English poet and his beloved, Fanny Brawne, the girl next door, and their touching, tender but ill-fated romance. While Fanny is a feisty minx whose poetry is in her dressmaking, Keats aims to make his mark with his beautiful poetry - an ambition sadly not realised in his short lifetime. You'll need the tissues for this one, but if you're a fan of a well-made costume drama, don't miss it.

Rating - I give this 5/5

GREAT!!

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Reviewed by Jan @ Ballarat branch

A good woman (DVD)

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle) — Sun, 27 Mar 2011 22:57:00 +0000

I watched this movie primarily for the wonderful 1930's costuming; imagine how thrilled I was to find that A Good Woman is based on Oscar Wilde's play, Lady Windermere's Fan!
Mrs. Erlynne, a woman well known for entertaining wealthy, married men, makes her escape from her debts and problems in New York after a failed affair. She sets her sights on the Amalfi coast and newly wed couple, Robert and Meg Windermere. What follows is an entertaining and scandalous tale of misunderstandings, love and loyalty.
If you feel like curling up on the couch with some chocolate and an beautiful movie, this is for you!
Rating - I give this 4/5 Not bad!
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Reviewed by Imogen @ home

Ancestor by Scott Sigler

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle) — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 21:52:00 +0000

On a remote island in Lake Superior, a unique group of scientists are working on the problem of using animal organs as transplants, which are often rejected by the human immune system. Funded by a secretive and ruthless biotech firm, Dr Claus Rhumkorrf seeks to recreate the ancestor of all mammals. By artificially manufacturing root DNA, Rhumkorrf hopes to create an animal with human internal organs - the perfect donor. Rhumkorrf discovers the ancestor, but it is not the harmless, cow-like creature he expects. Instead, it is a cunning and bloodthirsty beast that nature had eradicated 250 million years ago. The ultimate predator. Suddenly, the island feels very, very small. And the ancestor is very, very hungry (from the publisher).
While this book is fiction, it takes you for a stroll down the ethics road as it is along similar lines with Jurassic Park in demonstrating what could go horrifically wrong when people begin to mess with DNA and genes and the like. Lots of blood and gore and violence in this, but I still enjoyed it. Although you may never look at a pregnant cow the same again...
Rating - I give this 3.5/5 Not bad!
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Reviewed by Michelle @ admin

The Black Russian by Lenny Bartulin

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle) — Sun, 20 Mar 2011 21:36:00 +0000

After yet another slow week at the cash register, that fine purveyor of second-hand literature, Susko Books, is facing financial ruin. Jack Susko sets off to a gallery in Woollahra to scrape up some coin with the sale of an old art catalogue. With his usual panache and exquisite timing, he arrives just as De Groot Galleries is being done over by masked thieves. Along with a mysterious object from the safe, the robbers seize a valuable first edition from Jack's bag, too.When the owner of the gallery doesn't want to call the cops, Jack is offered a sizeable sum to keep silent: but when de Groot arrives at the bookshop with his heavy to renege on the deal, all bets are off. With an ease that almost constitutes a gift, Jack Susko finds himself at the centre of a world full of duplicity, lies and art theft (from the publisher).
This is not as hardboiled as Peter Corris's Cliff Hardy but it has the same kind of feel - blokey without being too macho with a nice turn of phrase. The city of Sydney - suburbs, streets and weather - is more than a mere backdrop - she is the character. Not particularly demanding but certainly enough to keep the page turning quickly.
Rating - I give this 3.5/5 Not bad!

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Reviewed by Sarah @ home

Thirteen reasons why by Jay Asher

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle) — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 22:10:00 +0000

Clay Jensen returns home from school to find a mysterious box with his name on it lying on his porch. Inside he discovers cassette tapes recorded by Hannah Baker–his classmate and crush–who committed suicide two weeks earlier. On tape, Hannah explains that there are thirteen reasons why she decided to end her life. Clay is one of them. If he listens, he'll find out how he made the list. Through Hannah and Clay's dual narratives, debut author Jay Asher weaves an intricate and heartrending story of confusion and desperation that will deeply affect teen readers (from the publisher).
This book had me intrigued within the first few pages and I found it difficult to put it down after I had started. It is a haunting tale that explores the domino effect words and actions can sometimes have on someones life, particularly in the name of 'fun' or 'I was only joking'.
Rating - I give this 4/5 GREAT!!

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Reviewed by Michelle @ admin

Mud, muck and dead things by Ann Granger

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle) — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 22:00:00 +0000

Lucas Burton hates the countryside. To him it's nothing but mud, muck and dead things. And he's right. When he turns up at a deserted farm in the middle of nowhere hoping to conduct a lucrative business deal he stumbles across the body of a dead girl. And that's just the start of his problems. Penny Gower, from the local stables, spots his silver Mercedes leaving the scene of the crime and when her friend Andrew Ferris calls the police it's only a matter of time before Lucas gets a visit from someone he'd rather not see! Inspector Jess Campbell is on the case, but with very few leads and a new superintendent breathing down her neck, the pressure's on. Then another dead body is found (from the publisher)!
Well written English crime/mystery with a village feel. Not a psychopathic killer in sight and no graphic forensic detail. Good characters - both the police and the cast of supporting locals - I'll read more as the series progresses. Just right for weekend reading in a comfy chair with cups of tea and a warm fire!
Rating - I give this 4/5

GREAT!!

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Reviewed by Sarah @ home

The Amityville horror by Jay Anson

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle) — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 22:17:00 +0000

In December 1975, the Lutz family moved into their dream home, the same home where Ronald Defeo had murdered his parents, brothers and sisters just one year earlier. The psychic phenomena that followed created the most terrifying experience the Lutz family had ever encountered,forcing them to flee the house in 28 days, convinced that it was possessed by evil spirits. Their fantastic story, never before disclosed in full detail, makes for an unforgettable book with all the shocks and gripping suspense of THE EXORCIST ,THE OMEN or ROSEMARY'S BABY, but with one vital difference...the story is true (from the publisher).
Whether you are a believer of the supernatural or not, the events that this family went through for a month would be enough to scare the pants off anyone, especially if you read it through the middle of the night when you are home alone. It is up to you as to how true you believe the events to be, but either way, it is one of the scarier books I have read!
The remake of the film (2005 edition) had given me a different impression of what had happened, with a stronger focus on the one person; whereas the book explores strange things happening to the whole family.
Rating - I give this 4/5 Not bad!

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Reviewed by Michelle @ admin

A kind man, by Susan Hill

noreply@blogger.com (Jan) — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 04:25:00 +0000

Gifted author Susan Hill keeps writing such wonderful books. At 185 pages, her latest offering, A kind man, is a short, easy read that is nevertheless haunting and thought-provoking.
The kind man of the title is Eve Carr's husband Tommy. Money is tight, but gentle, loving, hardworking Tommy ensures Eve has a happy life, in contrast to her overworked, overburdened sister. Their happiness is complete with the birth of their daughter Jeannie Eliza and their love does not change when the child suddenly dies at the age of three.
But grief takes its toll and Tommy becomes ill and is not expected to live. What happens next is so unexpected, so magical and so very Susan Hill.
I enjoyed this book so much and wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to any reader looking for something a little out of the ordinary.
Rating - I give this 4/5

GREAT!!

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Reviewed by Jan @ Ballarat branch

Upside down world : early European impressions of Australia's curious animals by Penny Olsen

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle) — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 21:50:00 +0000

Late eighteenth- and early nineteenth-century Eurocentric perceptions of natural history led to the flora and fauna of the new colony of New South Wales being viewed as deficient and inferior. The swans of the colony were black and eagles white, birds built shell-strewn avenues of sticks to cavort in and parrots walked on the ground. The mammals carried their young in a pouch and there were furred animals that laid eggs. This miscellany of the curious fuelled the rage for Australian natural history amongst the upper classes of Europe, bringing income and, occasionally, fame to its collectors and documenters. On the ground, in the colony, it contributed to great change for the animals and, in some cases, extinction. In this book author Penny Olsen documents how our scientific knowledge evolved, using collectors and naturalists journals to enhance her stories (from the publisher).
To see some of these illustrations, you have to wonder how closely the illustrators observed their subjects or cared about what they were portraying! One illustration looks like a mouse standing on its huge hind legs - obviously a kangaroo; while another is of a sloth, something that has a likeness to its American cousin until it is later depicted for what it actually is - a koala. I'll give you a sample of a description that was given of our unusual animals: "... a head of a rabbit, a tail as big as a bed-post, hopping along at the rate of five hops to the mile, with three or four young kangaroos looking out of its false uterus to see what is passing". A fascinating look into the initial perception of Australia's fauna.
Rating - I give this 4/5 Not bad!

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Reviewed by Michelle @ admin

Emma's baby, by Abbie Taylor

noreply@blogger.com (Jan) — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 04:21:00 +0000

Young single mum Emma loves her little boy Ritchie, but life is so hard that sometimes she wishes he would disappear. Isolated, with no support and little money, she confesses to her GP that she wants to throw him under a train. So when Ritchie is kidnapped by a helpful stranger, the police are at first suspicious that Emma has harmed him and do little to help. The only person who seems to believe her is a stranger called Rafe, who promises to do everything he can to help Emma find her son. But will they find him?
First-time novelist Abbie Taylor has written a suspensful story with plenty of twists and lots of action. As a doctor, she has probably seen many patients just like Emma - and hopefully is better at dispensing sympathy and diagnosing post-natal depression than Emma's doctors are. She tells Emma's story with such empathy that I felt I was there with her, experiencing her loneliness and helplessness, her miserable surroundings her constant doubting of herself as a good mother and the small joys of her life. I'm looking forward to Taylor's next book.
Rating - I give this 4/5

GREAT!!

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Reviewed by Jan @ Ballarat branch

Knuffle Bunny Free: An Unexpected Diversion by Mo Willems

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle) — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 01:22:00 +0000

Trixie and her family are off on a fantastic trip to visit her grandparents—all the way in Holland! But does Knuffle Bunny have different travel plans? An emotional tour de force, Knuffle Bunny Free concludes one of the most beloved picture-book series in recent memory, with pitch-perfect text and art, photos from around the world, and a stunning foldout spread, culminating in a hilarious and moving surprise that no child or parent will be able to resist. Bestselling, award-winning author Mo Willems has created an epic love story as only he can, filled with the joys and sadness of growing up —and the unconditional love that binds a father, mother, daughter, and a stuffed bunny (from the publisher).
This is the third book of the Knuffle Bunny series, and I don't know how I have not come across it before. This one is my favourite of the series, but that does not mean the other two are any less well written and illustrated with life lessons thrown in as well.
Rating - I give this 5/5 GREAT!!

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Reviewed by Michelle @ admin

Liar by Justine Larbalestier

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle) — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 05:51:00 +0000

Micah -- the unreliable narrator of this tale -- is a compulsive liar from a fraught background. Poor and biracial, she attends a posh New York alternative school through a scholarship. Her mother is a runaway, her father is from a reclusive back-woods family of illiterate survivalists, and so it's no surprise that Micah's identity is a little messed up. But Micah isn't just confused: she's deliberately confusing, a compulsive liar who fools everyone around her over and over (she is mistaken for a boy on her first day of school and so she undertakes to live as a boy, lasting days before she is found out) (from the publisher).
I don't know where to start with this one. Twist here, twist there, but what is the truth? And that is really left up to you as to what you believe in the story that Micah tells.
Rating - I give this 4/5 Not bad!

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Reviewed by Michelle @ admin

Toy Story 3 (DVD)

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle) — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 05:31:00 +0000

The creators of the beloved Toy Story films re-open the toy box and bring moviegoers back to the delightful world of Woody, Buzz and our favourite gang of toy characters in Toy Story 3. Woody and Buzz had accepted that their owner Andy would grow up someday, but what happens when that day arrives? In the third installment, Andy is preparing to depart for college, leaving his loyal toys troubled about their uncertain future. Lee Unkrich (co-director of Toy Story 2 and Finding Nemo) directs this highly anticipated film, and Michael Arndt, the Academy Award-winning screenwriter of Little Miss Sunshine, brings his unique talents and comedic sensibilities to the proceedings (from the producers).
It is a great feat to make a sequel that is better than its predecessors and Toy Story 3 does not disappoint. There are a lot of hilarious moments in this movie and finishes with an heartwarming conclusion for Andy's toys. Look out for Mr Potato Head as he uses a different disguise. Loved it!!
Rating - I give this 6/5GREAT!!

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Reviewed by Michelle @ admin

The Passage by Justin Cronin

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle) — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 03:49:00 +0000

'It happened fast. Thirty-two minutes for one world to die, another to be born.' First, the unthinkable: a security breach at a secret U.S. government facility unleashes the monstrous product of a chilling military experiment. Then, the unspeakable: a night of chaos and carnage gives way to sunrise on a nation, and ultimately a world, forever altered. All that remains for the stunned survivors is the long fight ahead and a future ruled by fear - of darkness, of death, of a fate far worse. As civilization swiftly crumbles into a primal landscape of predators and prey, two people flee in search of sanctuary. FBI agent Brad Wolgast is a good man haunted by what he's done in the line of duty. Six-year-old orphan Amy Harper Bellafonte is a refugee from the doomed scientific project that has triggered apocalypse. He is determined to protect her from the horror set loose by her captors. But for Amy, escaping the bloody fallout is only the beginning of a much longer odyssey - spanning miles and decades - towards the time and place where she must finish what should never have begun (from the publisher).
At last a scary Vampire book! Who is Amy and what is the epic journey she must face? I will definably read his other 2 books.

Rating - I give this 4/5 Not bad!
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Reviewed by Glenda @ Bacchus March

In Her Defense by Stephen Horn

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle) — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 23:04:00 +0000

The narrator/hero of In Her Defense is Frank O'Connell, a once prominent Washington attorney who has fallen on hard times. A few years before the narrative begins, Frank appeared to have everything: a thriving marriage, a full partnership in his father-in-law's prestigious law firm, and virtually unlimited prospects. Responding to a combination of influences -- such as his innate love of risk and his growing sense that life had become too predictable, too comfortable -- he walked out on his affluent partnership and set up shop on his own, sacrificing his home and his marriage in the process (from the publisher).
Good page turner with interesting twists. Nice easy reading without demanding too much thinking. A good one if you want an easy read for a lazy day and enjoy crime and law genres.
Rating - I give this 3.5/5 Not bad!

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Reviewed by Terrie @ home

Morland Dynasty series by Cynthia Harrod-Eagles

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle) — Sun, 30 Jan 2011 23:12:00 +0000

The Founding (book 1) Set against the turbulent years of the Wars of the Roses, this book tells the story of the arranged marriage of Robert Morland and Eleanor, ward of the powerful Beaufort family. Robert adores her, but her secret passion is for Richard, Duke of York (from the publisher).

If you love history books and family sagas, these books are very readable and very interesting. They follow the lives of the English from 15th century to the present. The detail about their everyday lives is wonderful. I don't know if I will read the lot (33 and counting) but the early books are great.

Rating - I give this 5/5 GREAT!!

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See list of all Morland Dynasty titles

Reviewed by Cheryl @ home

Wicked Appetite by Janet Evanovich

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle) — Sun, 23 Jan 2011 23:00:00 +0000

Number one bestselling author Janet Evanovich has created a brand-new heroine in Elizabeth Tucker: Marblehead resident, bakery worker, unlucky in love and descendant of witches. Life has had a pleasant predictability to it for Lizzy. That is until a tall, black-haired, dark eyed man shows up in a black sports car, touches her hand and leaves a burn mark. His name is Gerwulf Grimoire, also known as Wulf. And he wants what Lizzy has: knowledge. Almost simultaneously comes another man, a different man, but this one just as dangerous in his own way. His name is Diesel. And he wants several things Lizzy has, only one of them being knowledge. Unbeknownst to Lizzy, she has the ability to find "empowered objects." Turns out, a collection of stones that represent the seven deadly sins have made their way to Marblehead. Nothing bad can happen if the stones are all separated. But if they are grouped together, they have the power to unleash hell on earth. Wulf wan ts them. Diesel wants to stop him. And Lizzy is the key to all of it. Can Lizzy stay one step ahead of two men who both want her both body and soul? Can she juggle her job at Dazzle's bakery and still get the muffins out in time every morning? Can she stop the end of the world from occuring? For Elizabeth Tucker, cupcakes, 4 a.m. alarm clock settings, and Armageddon are all in a day's work (from the publisher).
Janet Evanovich has done it once again for me. I am totally obsessed with her "Stephanie Plum" series and this one has won me over. This is the start of a new series which has a new heroine to laugh at and fall in love with. Her name is Lizzie and she works in a bakery as a cupcake maker (I really want to taste one of her cupcakes by the way). She meets the gorgeous and rugged Diesel (who makes an appearance in the "In-between the numbers" novels with Stephanie Plum) and he takes her on a wild and hilarious adventure to find a stone which is one part to the mysterious Seven Deadly Sins stones. This book was really easy to read and has more new characters to have a good time with, I was there with them all the way. I can't wait for the rest of the series to come out. Now I will be looking forward to more books by Janet Evanovich. So, for lovers of the "Stephanie Plum" novels, there is something new for you to dig your teeth into!
Rating - I give this 5/5 GREAT!!

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Reviewed by Sam @ home

Awkward Family Photos by Mike Bender

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle) — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Family: They're the people we love, the people we trust and confide in, the people we identify with. but there's something else about family that isn't often spoken about because, well, it's not always comfortable to admit. So, let's just put it out there-- family is awkward. That's right. When a group of people with the same last name and different personalities are forced to spend most of their lives together, plenty of uncomfortable moments are sure to follow. And when a camera is there to capture one of those moments, an awkward family photo is born (from the publisher).
We have all had to do it at least once in our lives - pose for a family photo. And the result is usually something we aren't all that proud of. If you have had any cringe-worthy moments then have a look at this book because it is full of cringe! It makes you wonder if the photographer is having the time of their lives as they position families the way they have, or are exacting their revenge on the world. Mothers can also be blamed when forcing a family dress code. An interesting (if that is the right word!) book to flick through.
Rating - I give this 3/5 Not bad...
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Reviewed by Michelle @ admin

My Sister's Keeper by Jodie Picoult

noreply@blogger.com (Michelle) — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 22:19:00 +0000

Anna is not sick, but she might as well be. By age thirteen, she has undergone countless surgeries, transfusions, and shots so that her older sister, Kate, can somehow fight the leukemia that has plagued her since childhood. The product of pre-implantation genetic diagnosis, Anna was conceived as a bone marrow match for Kate -- a life and a role that she has never challenged...until now. Like most teenagers, Anna is beginning to question who she truly is. But unlike most teenagers, she has always been defined in terms of her sister -- and so Anna makes a decision that for most would be unthinkable, a decision that will tear her family apart and have perhaps fatal consequences for the sister she loves.

My Sister's Keeper examines what it means to be a good parent, a good sister, a good person. Is it morally correct to do whatever it takes to save a child's life, even if that means infringing upon the rights of another? Is it worth trying to discover who you really are, if that quest makes you like yourself less? Should you follow your own heart, or let others lead you? Once again, in My Sister's Keeper, Jodi Picoult tackles a controversial real-life subject with grace, wisdom, and sensitivity.

Here are a few quotes from what the Wendouree Teenage Book club thought of the book:

"Depressing"

"Completely different from the movie"

"It made me sad and I felt like the movie was more accurate to real life than the book"

"Made you realise how much you should appreciate your health and family"

"It was so cruel to give birth to a child just for the reason to save another"

Rating - I give this 4/5 Not bad!l
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Reviewed by Wendouree Teenage Bookclub @ Wendouree branch