Nine uses for an ex-boyfriend by Sarra Manning
The book tells the story of primary school teacher Hope a tall
"fiery" red head, with a domineering mother and a fear of heights.
Hopes life has always been planned ever since she started going out with Jack
her boyfriend as a teen. She may be stuck in a rut at work but at least she has
Jack. To Hope Jack is perfect. He has an amazing job, face, smile, sense of
humour everything she wants and to top it off they are officially unofficially
pre- engaged (what is that?). Until Hope finds he kissing her best
friend.
I hate to start on a bum note but this book was not great. First of all the
title was in my opinion misleading I didn't see the 9 uses for her ex
boyfriend. It was all very placid and in my opinion attempted to move away from
the hell hath no fury scorned lover woman to a more mature woman fighting for
her relationship. It failed. Hope ended up very much a doormat. Several times I
found myself frustrated with her inability to grow a backbone and chuck her
cheating boyfriend instead of waiting for him to shag her best friend until she
was out of his system maybe. This book didn't really do it for me and I am
trying not to give too much away.
1.5 Stars
Among Thieves by David Hosp
Inspired by the true story of the biggest art theft in the twentieth century
at the Isabella Stewart
Gardner Museum
we follow attorneys Scott Finn, Lissa Krantz and former detective
Kozlowski into the murky world of gangs, art theft and the IRA. Finn becomes
increasingly more invested when takes on the care of his clients daughter and
things take a downwards spiral when some of the biggest Boston
crime names turn up dead.
I really liked this book the writing as flow really. It worked for me as I do
like a good crime novel. All characters were strong, individual and with depth. There
are times when you don't know who can be trusted which makes for good reading.
I actually worked out how the heist worked so well half way through but that's
just me having watched so much CSI lol. This is definitely a page
turner!
4 Stars
I don't know how she does it by Allison Pearson
Dubbed the national anthem of all working mothers and the poignant
dramatisation of their lives. This book explores how thin working mothers are
spread, with at times minimal support. Meet Kate Reddy a wife, a mother
of 2, a sister, a daughter and a hedge fund manager. Kate can handle money,
knows the stock market positions at any given time, she can hold a conversation
about the teletubbies then effortlessly switch to the best ISA in seconds but
forgetting to make her daughter homemade goodies for school brings her to her
knees. Reduced to faking it till she makes it see her bashing shop bought mince
pies and icing them for that homemade look at 2am
to avoid the judgement of the stay at home mother "muffia". This is
instantly recognisable to many of my generation who have witnessed their
mothers do it, do it themselves or seen friends lament about the yummy mummy
brigade.
Ultimately something has to give. Kate loves her job but her nanny knows
more about her children than she does. Kate has to lie to go to see her babies
in a play whilst male members of the team are looked upon as heroic for doing
the same. Kate has time to flirt with a man in another time zone yet her
husband is neglected and has merely become someone to discuss the never ending
list of chores and childcare needs with. She would rather give her good for
nothing father money than deal with his neglect and have another area of
failure in life. Her life is no longer her own and she can't even commit to a
lunch date with a friend simply because there isn't enough hours in the day.
Who is Kate? I have read this book before and haven't seen the film but I liked
as much the second time around. Although I don't have children yet, I still
had a very strong reaction to some parts. A definite must read especially
for all future parents!You will laugh, groan, feel sadness and recoil in equal measure.
3.5 Stars
Night road by Kristin Hannah
This tale focuses on the exquisite power of a mothers love. Jude Farraday is the proud
mother of twins Zach and Mia. She has spent her life devoted to them and little
else. Her mission in life is to keep her kids safe and see them through each
stage of life. When Lexi a former foster child from the wrong side of the
tracks befriends her lonely daughter she is happy to see her timid daughter
doing do well.
After several years of being the center of her kids lives they no longer
depend on her as much. They don't seek her out. They are finding their
independence and all she does is worry. What is there for her to do now her
children don't need her? One summers night finally brings Judes fears to
life and the 3 kids lives are changed forever. The Farradays are broken and Lexi
has lost everything, bringing a deeper pair than she could ever dream of. In the years that follow all take journeys that will lead
them to one person who can heal their wounds and give them something to live for. I thought areas of this could have been developed and
explored more but is was incredibly emotional and complex. The novel delves deeply
into the vivid nature of a mothers love and loss. The resilience of family and
the hearts ability to forgive. I really liked it.
3.2 Stars
Smooches
Stephanie aka Wednesdays Girl
xoxo
Don't forget to come find me and Follow @GirlWednesdays
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