Review: From Italy With Love by Jules Wake

Title:  From Italy With Love

Author: Jules Wake

Publisher: 14^th May 2015 by Harper Collins UK, HarperImpulse

Pages: 300 pages

How I Read It: ARC ebook

Genre: ficiton; contemporary romance, chick lit, Europe vacation, vintage cars

My Rating:  four cups

Synopsis:

‘To my niece I leave the Ferrari GT250… On the proviso that she takes it across Europe to Maranello within the next three weeks. Only on successful completion of the journey to a prescribed route, will the car be hers…’

Home-loving Laurie thinks she’s happy – she has a safe, reliable boyfriend and working in her local library is what she thought she always wanted. That is until she inherits a vintage Ferrari from her eccentric Uncle Miles and the conditions of the inheritance are far from simple. To keep the car Laurie will have to drive across Europe with the gorgeous but unreliable Cameron Matthews as her guide… and Cam’s motives for helping are not all that altruistic.

Cam isn’t particularly thrilled about escorting his late pal Miles’ dull mouse of a niece on this wild goose chase but all he has to do is get Laurie safely to Italy and he’s sure the Ferrari is his.

But Uncle Miles had a few tricks up his sleeve and the route he’s planned takes Cam and Laurie on a road trip they’ll never forget. From sampling the delights of the Loire Valley to the breathtaking beauty of Lake Garda, this is one journey that has more twists and turns than either of them could ever have imagined…

My thoughts:

You know how it goes. Sometimes you just need that fun filled escapist book. This is it.  Whether you are basking in the sunshine, or curling up under a warm blanket, let yourself escape in this delightful read. The beauty of this read is that it’s not just ‘fluffy’ chick lit. There are various components and intricate twists that – although you know you will get your happy ending – it is more like the hairpin bends that the lead character, Laurie, drives around in her Italian Alps journey. It is not all smooth riding:

“When had her world become so grey and colourless? The piercing thought scored into her brain bringing with it physical pain at the recognition of its truth. What had happened to her?”

This is clever chick lit, that dives into why people marry, how to get the most from your life and how to deal with difficult family situations, just to name a few.

“And today she’d tasted something else. Not sensible. For a moment she’d glimpsed a different world, experienced a surge of exhilaration and felt a moment of soaring freedom”.

I loved this book with well-developed characters and wonderful romantic tension between Laurie and Cam. I really enjoyed watching the real Laurie unfold before my eyes. The contrast between the timid mouse at the beginning, to the quiet confidence exhibited at the end of the book, really resonated with me.

“If you stress about what will be, what might happen before we even get there, you won’t leave yourself any time to enjoy the moment and make the most of the opportunity”.

The only hiccup for me was Robert. Most definitely an unlikeable baddy, yet a little too over the top come the confrontation at the end of the novel. The book had been somewhat plausible until that major over reaction on his part. 

Wake has provided just about something for everyone – classic car enthusiasts, European road trips, wine tasting, shopping in Paris and a journey of self discovery, not to mention some yummy romance. Throw in a bit of humour and this stacks up as a fun romantic comedy read with substance.

This is a most entertaining read that will keep you turning the pages as you look forward to seeing what is around the next bend in the road. If there were a back seat in the infamous Ferrari, it would be as if you were sitting right there with them along for the ride. Do yourself a favour, escape to Europe with a fancy car and good looking love interest.

“Slightly romantic and foolish, but in the brilliant sunshine of the picture-perfect street, she allowed herself to give in to the fantasy”.

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher and provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

Review: Re Jane by Patricia Park

Title:  Re Jane: A Novel

Author: Patricia Park

Publisher: 5^th May 2015 by Viking Adult (Penguin Group)

Pages: 352 pages

How I Read It: ARC ebook

Genre: ficiton; contemporary, cultural – Asian literature

My Rating:  three cups

Synopsis:

Journeying from Queens to Brooklyn to Seoul, and back, this is a fresh, contemporary retelling of Jane Eyre and a poignant Korean American debut
 
For Jane Re, half-Korean, half-American orphan, Flushing, Queens, is the place she’s been trying to escape from her whole life. Sardonic yet vulnerable, Jane toils, unappreciated, in her strict uncle’s grocery store and politely observes the traditional principle of nunchi (a combination of good manners, hierarchy, and obligation). Desperate for a new life, she’s thrilled to become the au pair for the Mazer-Farleys, two Brooklyn English professors and their adopted Chinese daughter. Inducted into the world of organic food co-ops, and nineteenth–century novels, Jane is the recipient of Beth Mazer’s feminist lectures and Ed Farley’s very male attention. But when a family death interrupts Jane and Ed’s blossoming affair, she flies off to Seoul, leaving New York far behind.

Reconnecting with family, and struggling to learn the ways of modern-day Korea, Jane begins to wonder if Ed Farley is really the man for her. Jane returns to Queens, where she must find a balance between two cultures and accept who she really is. Re Jane is a bright, comic story of falling in love, finding strength, and living not just out of obligation to others, but for one’s self.

My thoughts

When I saw this book, the contemporary retelling of ‘Jane Eyre’ intrigued me. I will get to that in a moment. What this story is in fact about is a young Korean/American girl trying to find her way in life based on her roots, her family and cultural expectations in modern day America and then Korea. This is the key concept that should have been addressed, because the whole ‘Jane Eyre’ connection fell really flat with me. The ‘Jane Eyre’ name-dropping - even Currer Bell - not to mention the ‘Friends’ (TV sitcom) links with Chandler, Monica and Rachel, would have been better left out. To have linked this book with Bronte’s was a mistake in my humble opinion. The links were weak at best and truthfully speaking, this book would be better standing on it’s own. ‘Jane Eyre’ is a classic full of heartache and angst and being forced to compare ‘Re Jane’ well, it just does not measure up. Always viewing it in the shadow of such a classic was bound to be detrimental.

I had a lot of trouble with the love interest in this book. In fact, many of the characters were stereotypical, bordering on caricatures. However, the main character lacks depth, and for this reason the love interest Jane has with Ed seems really superficial. Nothing is really dealt with in enough detail for us to have compassion for some characters, therefore you end up with the impression that the feelings are somewhat contrived – you just don’t believe it:

“I don’t know how I’ll make it through the week …. without you, I added silently”.

It would have been far more favourable if presented as a coming of age tale against a strong cultural backdrop. That should have been the draw card. This could have been a refreshing read in its own right. The challenges Jane faces – cultural, growing up, finding work, romance – were all there.  Not to mention, it’s a fabulous window into Korean culture and society - the Seoul/New York comparisons were worthy. In my opinion the crux of this story should have revolved around the whole parental issue with a greater understanding highlighted, and given to, Jane’s ‘mystery’ father.

“I couldn’t force something that wasn’t there. There comes a time where you just got to be who you want to be.”

All up, it’s a shame because although loose ends are all so conveniently tied up, there was a solid thread throughout. The focus should have been on Jane and her journey of self discovery – that being, an exploration of her heritage, where she came from, trying to bridge the divide of living as part of two cultures and reconciling this all with her own identity development.

“It was tiring, straddling the two cultures.”

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher and provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

Review: The Mystical Backpacker by Hannah Papp

Title:  The Mystical Backpacker: How to Discover Your Destiny in the Modern World
Author: Hannah Papp
Publisher: 5th May 2015 by Atria Books/Beyond Words Publishing
Pages: 272 pages
How I Read It: ARC ebook
Genre: self help, memoir, guide book, European adventure
My Rating:  three cups

Synopsis:

Part memoir, part guidebook, The Mystical Backpacker invites you to explore your inner terrain and learn how to create your own unique version of a modern day vision quest or walk-about.

Tired of living a life based on other’s expectations, Hannah Papp quit her job, bought a EuroRail ticket and a map, notified her landlady, and left town. Embarking on a journey across Europe with no plan and no direction, Hannah stumbled into becoming a modern-day Mystical Backpacker. Along the way her discoveries and the teachers she encountered allowed her to go on a deeper journey into the self and the spirit—revealing the real self she had long been missing.

The Mystical Backpacker shows you how to identify the signs along the road that will lead to teachers and experiences that will reorient your own life map. Ultimately, The Mystical Backpacker offers a solution, a way to break free and find your inner self’s rhythms and needs, fulfilling your true destiny. It’s time you hit the road and become a mystical backpacker.

My thoughts

Definitely more of a guidebook than travel memoir, Papp sets out to share not only her travelling adventure, but in sharing, help you to ‘chart your own course’ for your life journey. This book is full of advice and recommendations about how best to develop your true self, your inner soul. It’s about listening to that inner voice and becoming the best you can be. Although her realisations evolve through travel, Papp would like it to be applied to wherever you might find yourself to be:

“Sometimes it’s the less dramatic experiences that can have the deepest impact”.

So it is acknowledged that it’s not just about those fabulous vacation experiences. The essence is to bring those experiences/connections/realisations into your day-to-day living. I applaud her for that.

“The answers don’t exist in Greece, Italy or wherever….. the answers are within you”.

At times, it does indeed get rather ‘mystical’, so be prepared to do the ground work – emotionally and spiritually – in an attempt to discover your true self. At times the writing is pure poetry:

“ We will excavate layers of experience like spiritual archaeologists, seeing the knowledge buried over time …. We aren’t defined by our life experiences – we are defined by our responses to them”.

For Papp is was all about ‘affirmations’ and ‘visualisations’ as you discover your destined path.  Therefore, you must definitely be open to becoming active as you are set tasks and ‘mystical exercises’ to complete throughout the book. These tasks are a step-by-step ‘how to’ with tips and advice that seek to assist you in your own ‘mystical backpacking’ – kind of the:

 “Outward journey’s manifesting into inward journeys”.

However, it is not just all mysticism – as Papp provides a veritable guide on ‘how to’ organise your trip; covering everything from bags and boots to purchase, right down to suggested playlists. I did find it contradictory from the point of view that she lays claim to ‘no rules or regulations’, as she does provide a LOT of guidelines and recommendations. Still, if you are chartering in unfamiliar waters, there are many practical and useful ideas - charts to be drawn, thoughts to be recorded. At times the message does get a bit repetitive – same thing said in various different ways –stated and restated too many times for my liking.

Yet I have no doubt that it is always a good thing to stop and reflect for as Papp states:

“We are living rapidly, continuously defined by our latest post, our latest text”.

So this is a complete, holistic guide from what to pack, to learning to read the ‘signs’ along the way, to what to do when finally faced with home. Papp provides realistic timelines and achievements:

“Discovering your destiny is far quicker than manifesting your destiny – that can be a lengthy process.”

I would probably recommend this to people who are planning to travel and have taken steps in the organisation of that big ‘overseas’ trip. Alternatively, if your future lacks focus and you are seeking direction, then this indeed is the book for you. However, if you are a seasoned traveller you may find this book contains nothing new. Bon voyage to those who may just be embarking.

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher and provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

Review: Northern Heat by Helene Young

Title:  Northern Heat

Author: Helene Young

Publisher: 27^th May 2015 by Penguin Books Australia

Pages: 368 pages

How I Read It: ARC ebook

Genre: romantic suspense

My Rating:  four cups

Synopsis:

In steamy northern Queensland, Conor is living under an assumed name and rebuilding his shattered life. Working at Cooktown's youth centre has given him the chance to make a difference again, and a chance to flirt with Dr Kristy Dark.

After tragedy tore her family apart, Kristy fled to Cooktown with her feisty teenage daughter, Abby. She hoped being part of the small community would help them both heal, but Abby's sports coach is turning out to be a compelling distraction.

When a severe cyclone menaces the coast, threatening to destroy everything in its path, tensions come to a head – and the weather is not the only danger in Cooktown. Cut off from the world and with her life on the line, Kristy will have to summon her courage and place her trust in Conor, or they'll both lose someone they love.

My thoughts:

From the very first pages you are drawn in and I could tell I was going to be in for a treat:

“The street was eerily quiet, as though holding its breath.”

Helene Young has produced an enthralling romantic suspense in ‘Northern Heat’, which will be released the end of May. This is the first time I have read one of her books, but I can tell you, it will not be the last.

The two lead characters, Conor and Kristy have a past - both have faced tragedy and bear the scars. That is what makes it so real - two mature individuals who have dealt with so much, that you cannot help but cheer them on, fingers and toes crossed for that happy ending. This story is contemporary, intelligent, and yet easy to read. It is this authenticity in women’s fiction that is both appealing and refreshing.

“He felt as though a door had been cracked wide open inside him, releasing a flood of memories he wanted to capture one last time before they flew away”.

Romantic suspense – perfectly sums it up. This is not straight chick lit, there is real drama here – both natural and man made – that add intrigue and most definitely suspense. It’s fast paced and you will find it hard to put down, providing the perfect balance between: strong likeable characters, an engaging romance set against the backdrop of quality drama. Overall there is a great cast of characters with even the supporting ones demonstrating such depth, you feel compassion for them also. 

“Life’s not always going to play by our rules…..you can wait for things to get better or you can go looking”.

I found myself reading this in a short period of time, eager to discover the stories behind Conor, Kristy and so many more. My only disappointment was some issues were not followed through on, especially in relation to the daughter’s health. But these were minor and did not detract from my overall satisfaction.

I also need to make mention of the exceptional descriptions – outback life in remote Cooktown (northern Australia) and what living through a cyclone might be like. Once again, real writing that made me feel as if I was in the eye of the storm.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book as it has a bit of everything - suspense, action, drama, romance. Be sure to put this on your pre-order list - you will not be disappointed. Helene Young has gone to one of my fave Aussie authors.

“Find the joy in life again, live in the moment, not the future”

To pre order your copy ready for 27 May, please click on the links below:

Northern Heat at Bookworld

Northern Heat at Booktopia

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher and provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.