The Taste Of Sorrow by Jude Morgan Review

Synopsis

From an obscure country parsonage came the most extraordinary family of the nineteenth century. The Bronte sisters created a world in which we still live – the intense, passionate world of Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights; and the phenomenon of this strange explosion of genius remains as baffling now as it was to their Victorian contemporaries. In this panoramic novel we see with new insight the members of a uniquely close-knit family whose tight bonds are the instruments of both triumph and tragedy. Emily, the solitary who turns from the world to the greater temptations of the imagination: Anne, gentle and loyal, under whose quietude lies the harshest perception of the stifling life forced upon her: Branwell, the mercurial and self-destructive brother, meant to be king, unable to be a prince: and the brilliant, uncompromising, tormented Charlotte, longing for both love and independence, who establishes the family’s name and learns its price.

About the Author

Jude Morgan was born and brought up in Peterborough on the edge of the Fens and was a student on the University of East Anglia MA Course in Creative Writing under Malcolm Bradbury and Angela Carter.

What Girlie Gossip Thought

How could we not love a book about the Brontes? Once again a fantastic read by a well respected author that deserves a large slice of your time!

Have you read it? Let us know your thoughts by leaving a comment below!

Jane Green Girl Friday Book Review

Synopsis

When Kit and Adam separated after almost fifteen years of marriage, Kit felt like she had lost her lover, her best friend and her identity all in one fell swoop. But now, a year on from the divorce, Kit has found herself again and she loves her life in the idyllic Connecticut town of Highfield. She has the perfect job – working for Robert McClore, the famous novelist – two wonderful children, a good relationship with her ex-husband and time to enjoy yoga with her friends. Then Tracy, Kit’s yoga instructor and close friend, introduces her to Steve – attentive, charming, the perfect gentleman – and, for the first time in years, Kit thinks she may have found the right one. But is Steve really as perfect as he seems? And why does it bother Kit when Tracy starts dating Kit’s reclusive boss, Robert? What no one knows is that Tracy is hiding a secret – one that threatens to ruin her new-found happiness with Robert and her friendship with Kit. And now Tracy must decide whether to keep her past hidden from them both for ever or whether she should reveal the truth before it’s too late… Sparkling, poignant and wise, Girl Friday is a captivating tale of friendship, family and marriage as both Kit and Tracy discover that sometimes the people you thought you had lost make their way back into your life again… N.B. Girl Friday is called Dune Road in the US

What Girlie Gossip Thought

We are big fans of Jane Green here on Girlie Gossip and whilst yet again we think she’s come up with a real corker of a story it does have a very different ‘feel’ about it to some of her older books. Those looking for some entertaining chic lit and a relaxing read will be pleasantly surprised but real fans of previous Jane Green novels might find it a bit of a let down compared to previous work. Decide for yourself and let us know your thoughts.

Did you love it or hate it?

Jane Green – The Beach House Book Review

Synopsis

One summer a group of strangers – each with their own reason for wanting to step out of their busy life – meet at rented beachouse in sunny Nantucket. There’s Daniel, who’s causing heartbreak for his wife Bee; recently divorced Daff, who feels she’s lost touch with her daughter Jess; and Michael – son of the house’s mischievous , free-spirited owner Nan – who is having an ill-advised fling with his boss. With so many lost souls gathered under one roof, very soon there are tears and laughter, friendship and – for some – even love. Each one of them is hoping for a new beginning. But will any of them find it?

What Girlie Gossip Thought

The perfect summer read. Easy going, light reading and ideal for taking on your holiday’s or a trip to the beach. With a well rounded set of characters and the loveable ‘Nan’ it is a real girlie book that perfectly delivers.

Whilst the characters do sometimes seem a little too good to be true, it is still an entertaining and engaging summer read by a great author.

Give it a go!

Holly’s Inbox Author Finally Revealed!

So, you have all probably read the book Holly’s Inbox by now, or taken a peek at the fictional world of receptionist Holly Denham online via her personal emails at www.hollysinbox.com right? Well perhaps you’ve been wondering, who is this Holly? Is she real? Is she really a receptionist? I bet one question that you have yet to ask yourself however is: Is Holly Female? Read more

The Seven Year Itch by Kate Morris

Meet Ellie. She’s been married to Jack for seven years, has two occasionally-adorable-but-mostly-demanding children and is about to open a café with her friend, Tilda. But Jack is a soap actor whose long-running character has been killed off, leaving him hanging around the house and getting under the feet of Petra, an au pair too glamorous for her own good – even if she is a dab hand with glitter and glue. Meanwhile Ellie’s excitement about the café is making her marriage seem dreary in comparison and when the gorgeous Mark moves in next door (with a wife in tow, admittedly) she asks herself when she and Jack went past their sell-by-date. How can she put the sizzle back into her love life without breaking the rules? And is there really something better out there – or is she just scratching a classic seven year itch?

What Girlie Gossip Thought…

The Seven Year Itch by Kate Morris is a tale that is by turn bleak and funny. Kate Morris draws a sympathetic portrait of a marriage that is truly past its honeymoon years and offers real insight and genuinely funny observations on what ‘real’ marriage is like!

A great mix of humour and domestic drama that could easily give Desperate Housewives a run for its money!

Released May 7th

Nicci French – What to do when someone dies

‘This is not my world. Something is wrong, askew. It is a Monday evening in October. I am Ellie Falkner, 34 years old and married to Greg Manning. Although two police officers have just come to my door and told me he is dead . . . ’ It’s devastating to hear that your husband has died in a horrific car accident. But to learn that he died with a mystery woman as his passenger is torment. Was Greg having an affair? Drowning in grief, Ellie clings to Greg’s innocence, and her determination to prove it to the world at large means she must find out who Milena Livingstone was and what she was doing in Greg’s car. But in the process those around her begin to question her sanity … and her motive. And the louder she shouts that Greg might have been murdered, the more suspicion falls on Ellie herself. Sometimes it’s safer to keep silent when someone dies …

What Girlie Gossip Thought…

Nicci French books are always captivating and engaging, and her latest book was no different! A brilliant first page leads you into a storyline that you find yourself completely involved in and unable to resist the pull of further pages. Filled with raw emotion and all the twists and turns of a TV thriller this is a must read that fans of Nicci French books won’t want to miss!

Supernatural The Official Companion Season 3 by Nicholas Knight

The hit show from the producers of The O.C. and The X-FiIes, starring Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles, continues its spooky roadtrip through the dark heart of America.

The Winchester brothers step up their hunt as the last year of Dean’s life ebbs away. While they try to complete their mission to locate and destroy the demons that escaped from the Devil’s Gate, Sam searches for a way to save Dean. Along the way they confront creatures most people believe exist only in folklore and nightmares, including the 7 deadly sins, a changeling, a demon anti-Santa and even a ghost ship!

This official companion is packed with exclusive interviews, photos, behind the scenes secrets, a complete episode guide, plus a colour portrait gallery of the stars.

What Girlie Gossip Thought…

As huuuge fans of Supernatural we were really impressed with this book. Not only does it provide detailed, up to date information on the show and season 3 but it also has some great images (to drool over the delicious Jensen Ackles) and exclusive interviews that fan will adore!

Little Black Book Of Style – Review

Nina Garcia made a name as Editor-at-large of US Elle and judge on hit US TV show Project Runway. Her impeccable fashion credentials translate well in The Little Black Book of Style. She shares her style advises, principles and tips. As such, the book is mainly a self-help guide disguised by a lavish layout and brilliant illustrations. Ruben Toledo (husband of Isabel, of Inauguration outfit fame) drew the witty long-legged, perfectly groomed women accompanying each entry.

The book is split into six chapters and dedicates a large part to fashion history. It deciphers nine decades of fashion, stating both their significant, recognisable trends and their emblematic designers – a must guide for any vintage neophyte. There are also lists of well-dressed films and stylish musicians. Quotes from fashion icons tie the whole structure together. Garcia encourages you to be your own muse and awakens the fashion editor in you. Even if you don’t take her suggestions at face value, the book is inspirational.

Garcia’s writing is concise, clear and easy to navigate. And because no one should take advise from only one fashion professional, Garcia also interviewed the Who’s Who of US and European fashion, from Ralph Lauren (”Breaking rules is what makes fashion interesting”) to Christian Louboutin (every woman should owe “a classic black pump with a four-inch straight heel”).

If you are a regular and avid reader of fashion glossies, the book will teach you few things. If not, it is a mine of clever ideas, from how to ruthlessly edit your wardrobe to the importance of basics. In either case, it has good encyclopaedic and style credentials and the added soul of Toledo’s illustrations.

Review by Lucie Goulet.

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