Book Review ~ Mrs. de Winter

Rating: 3/5

I love Susan Hill. She is a master of her craft, and she really took a risky step by writing a sequel to one of the greatest classics in the English language. However, it really was pulled off! 

The middle section of the book is a little slow. The first person becomes oppressive and it holds the story back from progressing. The character of Mrs de Winter becomes nauseating and it is hard to stick with it. BUT, the minute they buy the new house the story becomes engrossing and you cannot put it down. 

The novel picks up the de Winter's abroad moments before the death of his sister back to England. However, the presence of Rebecca is soon captured with a wreath at the graveside. Although Mrs. de Winter realises that escape from the past is not possible she cannot help but be desperate to stay. They embark on a trip around the UK before returning abroad. What they find is heaven and what it leads to is Hell. 

I knew from the tone that I couldn't expect a classical happy ending however, the ending is a complete surprise a brilliant twist set up and pulled off with great skill. It broke my heart! 

This is a must read if you like Daphne Du Maurier's original, but bear with it as the beginning is slow. 

Book Review ~ A Place Called Winter

Rating : 4+/5

Patrick Gale is a real master of the craft of writing. He is truly amazing. The plot is absolutely flawless and heartbreaking. His descriptions and characters just take you there. You are alongside Harry the whole way and seeing his pain and his torment which is all made possible by Gale's writing. He is incredible, such a storyteller.

It is the story of Harry Gale who is hiding a secret about himself that when revealed could send him to jail and destroy his family. So he boards a boat and heads to Canada. Upon his journey he meets Troel's who will shape his future for better... and for worse. 

Troels is probably the nastiest character I have ever come across. He's constant appearances and what he does are so haunting you cannot help but be constantly on tender hooks worrying that he is going to appear and ruin everything that has just started to go right for Harry. 

The narrative is also brilliant. It is not flashbacks, but written from area to area in a sort of tracing back of the story. It keeps you turning the pages and is a brilliant way of keeping you guessing as to what exactly has happened to Harry Cane, as each part of the narrative reveals a little more of Harry's story until in the final section you realizes exactly what has happened to him. 

EXCELLENT!! 

The Book Review ~ Rich Bitch

Rating: 5/5

Make sure to engage your brain before picking up this book! It is really a fantastic read but you need to have your wits about you, and an open notebook at your side.

Nicole Lapin is a genius, what she writes about might be common sense but it makes so much sense. It explains so many problems that people I know have and makes me realise where NOT to go! 

Her advise is applicable to everyone at any station. You can use her set-up plans for each area of your life and apply them immediately no matter what your financial status or income. 

She has made me so eager to get going and start living and using my income wisely! AMAZING!

Thank you Nicole xxxx

The Book Review ~ The Little Stranger

Rating 4/5

This was another fantastic read. I cannot believe I have never read Sarah Waters before! She was right up my street with a gorgeous Gothic setting and fantastic characters. The writing is incredible with a great flow, although the chapters are a bit to long with little chance to break. 

Waters creates a fantastic plot where the reader can decide what is truly happening within the story whether the events are supernatural or psychological. It is an amazing thing to do. I still am undecided as to which side I am really on! Ghost or medical? 

It's the story of a Doctor who finds himself in tangled with the local eccentric family and their rather freaky house which is falling into decay. As each family member seems to loose their mind under his care strange things appear or happen causing doubt as to whether in his mind as to whether psychology is to blame or the houses Little Stranger. 

The creation of this little stranger was incredible. There was no doubt in your mind that there was something there. Everything was haunting to the point where a few BBC news updates which blared out my phone whilst I was reading caused me to leap a few feet in the air!

There was only one thing that really ruined the novel. It was the final section. Obviously Waters had a brilliant conclusion planned but getting from what seemed like the natural conclusion to the actual end there was a complete dip in the narrative. It dwindled and lost some of the thrill that is had held throughout the other 400 pages!