Mirror Image by Danielle Steel

Mirror Image by Danielle Steel


Susan's rating: 3 of 5 stars

Back in the early 90s I couldn't get enough of Danielle Steel. It was also the time when I submitted my first manuscripts dreaming of publication. I remember vividly having a plot for a new manuscript featuring Vietnam...I researched, I began making notes, and then Danielle Steel released her new novel...based in/around Vietnam. I felt deflated and couldn't bring myself to read another of her books.

I now look back on that time with amusement. I've come a very long way since the 90s and as I was going through my latest relapse (in the journey that is multiple sclerosis), I felt a yearning to pick up a Danielle Steel book and remind myself how much I once loved her books.

I enjoyed Mirror Image although not quite as much as I remember enjoying a few of her other titles. Danielle Steel is a FAB storyteller. Her characters are three dimensional, and the plots are never predictable. What I admire most about Danielle Steel is the way she ups the conflicts that little bit more which keeps the reader turning the pages.

I'm thrilled to have rediscovered Danielle Steel's books and I'm excited about learning how to keep my own future plots bubbling too.


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Coram Boy by Jamila Gavin

Coram Boy by Jamila Gavin


Susan's rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was the first set book that I read in advance for my children's literature course with the Open University (EA300). It blew me away!

I found Coram Boy to be an intense, highly emotional read and I couldn’t stop turning the pages. If I hadn’t been reading it as a set book to my OU EA300 course I would never have realised it was a YA book.

I was amazed to realise how dark this genre could be. Jamila Gavin didn’t hold anything back and the reader was plummeted into the cruel depths of the 18th Century.

Coram Boy is a powerful, thrilling story that will leave the reader wanting to know more about Captain Thomas Coram and his hospital. As Jamila Gavin explains in her foreward The Coram Foundation still exists today. Amazing!



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Shadows and Strongholds by Elizabeth Chadwick

Shadows and Strongholds: A Novel by Elizabeth Chadwick


Susan's rating: 5 of 5 stars

Shadows and Strongholds was not only my first ever Elizabeth Chadwick read (I know, where have I been?!) but my first read of a twelfth century novel, and I LOVED it.

Elizabeth Chadwick's storytelling is second to none, and the era came alive on every page. I loved watching the characters of Brunin and Hawise grow and I experienced first hand the day to day challenges of twelfth century living.

It was amazing to experience a little of what life for women was like, and interesting to discover how strong some of these women were holding their own in a male dominated society.

What I loved most about Shadows and Strongholds was feeling secure in the knowledge that every facet of information had been well researched by the author. For me, Elizabeth Chadwick's integrity added to the enjoyment of the read and I can't wait to catch-up with her other titles.


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Rumour Has It by Jill Mansell

Rumour Has it by Jill Mansell


Susan's rating: 4 of 5 stars

I haven't read a Jill Mansell novel for years and I devoured Rumour Has It.


For the most part this is a fun, laugh-out-loud read with an extra ingredient of emotion. Jill Mansell tackles a real-life issue that had me crying my heart out. I can't say much without giving away a plot spoiler but suffice to say that I've been in a similar situation recently. If I'm totally honest, I wasn't expecting something this 'real' to be part of the plot. Even though I didn't want to be reminded about this type of situation I have to say that Jill Mansell captured the emotions, sadness and unfairness of one of the surprise curveballs that life can throw.

Overall I enjoyed this story and will be digging out a few more yet-to-be-reads from the shelf.

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Nine-To-Five Bride by Jennie Adams

Nine-To-Five Bride by Jennie Adams


Susan says:

Jennie Adams kicks off the blind-date-brides series.

Nine-To-Five Bride, is a fun read. Rick's gorgeous, Marissa's lovely (when she stops panicking about reaching 30!) and the romance is heartwarming, which for me, makes this story a winner,

I'm looking forward to reading the next two stories in this series.