Summer Island - Natalie Normann (Blog Tour)

Date of Reading: 25/06/2020

Author: Natalie Normann

Publisher: Harper Collins

Publication Date: June 24, 2020

Source: NetGalley

Rating: 4/5

(This review is part of the blog tour organised by Random Things Tours)

About the book:

He never meant to stay.

He certainly never meant to fall in love…

Summer Island off the coast of Norway was the place London chef Jack Greene should have been from. He’s an outsider in the community that should have been his family, and now he’s setting foot on the strange land he has inherited for the first time.

The welcome is a mix of distrust and strange gifts of food, especially from enigmatic Ninni Toft, his nearest neighbour, who has arrived for the season to get over a broken heart. Her wild spirit and irrepressible enthusiasm for the quirky locals are a heady brew for city-boy Jack, who is discovering the simple pleasures of island life – and what it means to belong. To a place. To a people. To one person in particular…

Home is where the heart is but is Jack’s heart with the career he left behind in London, or on the wind-swept shores of Summer Island, with Ninni?

Review:

        It's not every day we come by a book set on a Norwegian island. And that was more than enough reason for me to pick this book. Telling that it lived up to my expectations will be an understatement. Suffice to say this is one of the most relaxing reads I had this year.

      If Norway is half as beautiful as the books shows, it will be a shame not to visit it once. The place-names might be hard to pronounce, but the fun, laughter and the friendly faces Norway offers is going to mesmerise you from the beginning of the story. This could be the story of Jack and Ninni, but little summer island, you are the real hero. Anyone will need an ice-cold heart to leave that place.

       A summer fling turning into something more, an English man finding his roots. . . 'Summer Island' is this and much more. Jack and Ninni are there on the island for different reasons, but both find a new purpose there. I loved the way the story progressed expertly linked with the life of the island community. Nosy neighbours and a dog with human intelligence just adds to the mirth.

        What are you waiting for then? Stock up your fridge (warning: prepare to witness the slow and painful demise of your diet plans) before grabbing a copy. You will love it for sure!

Meet the author:

Natalie Normann grew up in a shipping town on the west coast of Norway and always wanted to be a writer. Actually, she wanted to smoke cigars and drink whiskey like Hemingway but settled for chocolate and the occasional glass of Baileys.

Her writing journey started with short stories in women’s magazines until her first book was published in 1995.

Summer Island is her first romance written in English.

The Mixtape to my Life - Jake Martinez

Date of Reading: 12/06/2020

Author: Jake Martinez

Publisher: Deep Hearts YA

Publication Date: March 27, 2020

Source: YA Bound Book Tours

Rating: 4/5

About the book:

Justin Ortega might as well be starring in his very own coming-of-age 80s movie. If only he could find his dream boy to pull up in front of his house in a red convertible and sweep him off his feet, already! At seventeen years young, he isn’t quite Mexican enough for his South Texas town; isn’t manly enough for his father; can sometimes be too much of a smart mouth for his mother, and as for the other kids at school—let’s just say he’d be cast as the quiet nerd with a heart of gold…and an ear for music.

The one solace Justin has is his love of 80s hair metal bands, which he listens to on his beloved Sony Walkman. The songs, lyrics, and melody keep him just sane enough to escape the pressures of school and help navigate the hurdles life brings. Especially with the doozy this year is shaping up to be. Not only does he have to try out for a captain position which is rightfully his, but his best friend has found a new girlfriend, leaving Justin to fend for himself in a school where he’s mostly known as simply Coconut.

Enter Dominic Mendoza. Sweet, funny, and a blast from his past, the hunky football player has moved in next door. Justin could never forget how Dominic protected him in the eighth grade, nor the way Dominic made him feel, then…and now.

Except, this isn’t a movie. Confusion, friendship, and love won’t guarantee a happy ending unless Justin can learn to accept himself for who he truly is. Hairbands and all.

Review:

     I do love coming-of-age stories. The unpredictable future, pressure from peers and the desire for recognition . . . teenage years are the worst. Sigh! But you are going to be a hard nut to crack once you successfully manage to thwart the crisis. Quite predictably reading these stories never fail to produce in me the satisfying smirk of a veteran. 

     This is the story of Justin Ortega, who as per his teacher's opinion cannot even pronounce his name correctly. In other words, he is called a coconut. His only comfort is his music, at least no taunts can be heard if you play it loud enough. Being gay and not manly enough for his father is just another nail to the coffin. Yup! Pretty much everything sucks for him until his dream guy makes a reappearance.

       Set in 1994, we are exposed to a society that is not tolerant of gays. But there is no outdated feeling either since the situation is still the same in many parts of the world. I would have loved their stories to be expanded a bit more but the 190 pages novel still gives you a glimpse of the struggles the couple goes through. Their rebellious acts can be termed immature, but considering the circumstances, that is predictable. 

       I really enjoyed this quick read and the 80's songs that permeate throughout the story was a real bonus. A teenage boy standing up for himself is always a pleasure to watch. Happy reading!

Meet the author:

Jacob Martinez is a former South Texas resident who has found a new home in Chicago. He has been writing all his life but has only recently sought to be published. His debut novel, The Mixtape to My Life, reflects on life as a gay teen growing up in South Texas. Martinez holds an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Texas – RGV, and also loves to write plays and screenplays. A Learning Designer by day, you also can find him hanging out at home with his husband, their newborn son, and an eclectic group of fur babies.

Summer in the City - Emma Jackson (Blog Tour)

Date of Reading: 14/06/2020

Author: Emma Jackson

Publisher: Orion

Publication Date: June 8, 2020

Source: NetGalley

Rating: 4/5

(This review is part of the blog tour organised by Rachel's Random Resources)

About the book:

Sometimes the one thing you're looking for is right in front of you...

Stephen is on a very personal mission to find his father as per the wishes in their mother's will. But he has no idea where to start, not that he's going to tell anyone that... When Noelle, native New Yorker, daughter of a detective and desperate for a distraction from the novel she's been struggling to write, offers to help, it feels like the perfect solution.

Except, the last time she spoke to Stephen he thought they'd be seeing the New Year in together and instead she stood him up and sold him out! Stephen's big enough and been around the block enough times to understand that all is fair in love and war, isn't he? But when Stephen accepts her offer and they begin their search across the city, it soon becomes clear that the weather isn't the only thing that's heating up.

A heartwarming summer romance perfect for fans of Heidi Swain, Sarah Morgan and Holly Martin.

Review:

      If you are expecting a breezy romance with some cliched plotlines, you are going to be surprised . . . just like me. The only reason I took this book is the mystery involved and the fact that the heroine is a writer just added to this resolve. Ironically, writers with a writer's block always make perfect stories. 'Summer in the City' is another solid proof for that.

      Where shall I start? The roots of Stephen-Noelle relationship goes way back before this particular story. We get to know some details for sure, but I was feeling left out at the beginning. So my suggestion for you is to start with Beth's tale in 'A Mistletoe Miracle', but no pressure on that front since I am a following the reverse order. 

      This was my first Emma Jackson novel and I was completely hooked from the very beginning. There is the right amount of mystery and a whole lot of fun to cheer you up along the way. Both Noelle and Stephen experience a fair bit of growing up clearing misconceptions about each other and admitting the clear as day attraction between them. The attraction of opposites may not fare well in all scenarios, but when it comes to these delectable characters, that is a different story. After all, a trans-Atlantic story is never disappointing.

       What really appealed to me is the way the author presented the emotional struggles Stephen has undergone. The conflicts he experiences regarding his biological father, the bad boy image thrust toward him at the office and his own fears related to commitments feature prominently in the story making this a heart-wrenching read. Just like the summer outside, it reminds you not all happily ever afters are reached through a bed of roses. Can we really appreciate the cool evening breeze without the simmering heat of the day?

      

Meet the author: 

A devoted bookworm and secret-story-scribbler since she was 6 years old, Emma joined the Romantic Novelists’ Association on their New Writers’ Scheme at the beginning of 2019, determined to focus on her writing. She has been overwhelmed by the encouragement given by the published authors and fellow NWS members who are part of the RNA and highly recommends joining to any romance writers looking for support and friendly guidance (there are some bursaries available).

When she’s not running around after her two daughters and trying to complete her current work-in-progress, Emma loves to read, bake, catch up on binge-watching TV programmes with her partner and plan lots of craft projects that will inevitably end up unfinished. 

Don't Go Stealing My Heart - Kelly Siskind

Date of Reading: 27/04/2020

Author: Kelly Siskind

Publisher: CD Books

Publication Date: April 22, 2020

Source: NetGalley

Rating: 4.5/5

About the book:

She wants to steal his Van Gogh. He wants to steal her heart.

Some people would call Clementine Abernathy a criminal. She considers herself a modern-day Robin Hood, who steals from the rich and gives to the poor. Not exactly on the up-and-up, but she knows what it’s like to lose everything. Her latest heist involves swiping a priceless Van Gogh from its owner, who’s supposed to be an egotistical trust-fund brat.

Turns out Jack David is a sexy, kind-hearted man…and Clementine is in trouble. Falling for her mark would make her the World’s Dumbest Conwoman, but Jack is charmingly persistent, always singing sweet songs in her ear.

And that earth-shattering kiss? She never stood a chance.

Now she’s imagining a fresh start with this dashing man, but that means telling Jack about her past. And other nefarious sorts are after the same painting. Too soon, Clementine learns what it means to risk it all for love.

Review:

     This was one of my comfort reads last month and with its quirky setting, Elvis festival and a female Robin Hood, the story was nothing short of spectacular. We feel a kinship with Clementine from the very beginning. The story of a thief who steals from the rich to help the orphans is in itself extraordinary and when a shy hero is added to the mix . . . hmm! Can you really fight the urge to pick up a copy?

      Siskind firmly establishes a jovial atmosphere throughout the story in spite of the traumatic events and the impending danger that loom all the time. Both Clementine and Jack hit it off from their accidental meeting and their chemistry grows as the time passes. Jack's family (especially his sister) and his home with all the abandoned reptiles did make a unique impression. The lengths Clementine goes to protect them all clearly earns her the title of Robin Hood. Who would have thought that a quaint little village known as 'Whichway' will witness such thrilling incidents quite worthy of a K-drama?

      I cannot really go into the story without endangering the climax, so let me stop right here. On the whole, a lovely story with adorable characters. Highly recommended!

Meet the author:

A small-town girl at heart, Kelly moved from the city to enjoy the charm of northern Ontario. When she’s not out hiking with her husband or home devouring books, you can find her, notepad in hand, scribbling down one of the many plot bunnies bouncing around in her head. Her novels have been published internationally.

Camp - Lev A. C. Rosen (Blog Tour)

Date of Reading: 23/05/2020

Author: Lev A. C. Rosen

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Publication date: May 26, 2020

Source: NetGalley

Rating: 4.5/5

(This review is part of the blog tour organised by Fantastic Flying Book Club)

About the book:

From the author of the acclaimed Jack of Hearts (and other parts) comes a sweet and sharp screwball comedy that critiques the culture of toxic masculinity within the queer community.

Sixteen-year-old Randy Kapplehoff loves spending the summer at Camp Outland, a camp for queer teens. It's where he met his best friends. It's where he takes to the stage in the big musical. And it's where he fell for Hudson Aaronson-Lim - who's only into straight-acting guys and barely knows not-at-all-straight-acting Randy even exists.

This year, though, it's going to be different. Randy has reinvented himself as 'Del' - buff, masculine, and on the market. Even if it means giving up show tunes, nail polish, and his unicorn bed sheets, he's determined to get Hudson to fall for him.

But as he and Hudson grow closer, Randy has to ask himself how much is he willing to change for love. And is it really love anyway, if Hudson doesn't know who he truly is? 

Review:

      Is this one of my regular reads? Absolutely not. Changing yourself to get the man (or woman) is something abhorrent in my dictionary. Someone who is not able to love oneself can never find love. So why did I bother reading this novel? Because I wanted to tame this judgemental devil living inside me. As one of the counsellors says in the story, everyone is allowed to make their own mistakes. Isn't that the way we learn?

       'Camp' offers a unique take on an oft used plotline with Camp Outland as its setting. It is not every day we get to read a book with an all queer cast and that makes this all the more special. Sure, it is not possible to cover every aspect of the queer spectrum, but considering the length of the novel, the author has done a remarkable job in giving representation to a wide variety of gender orientations. This camp for queer teens is nothing short of paradise.

      The main story, as you have guessed already, is the love story between Randy and Hudson. Randy is determined to win over Hudson this year and thus his complete makeover as Del, a masc completely different from the femme personality of Randy. Well, we don't need an oracle to know where his crazy plan will lead to but what matters is the changes that come through this performance. 

      Simple though it may seem the novel addresses a series of issues a queer teen faces from his own family and also from the society. Seeing that we don't have that many great books in the LGBT genre, this book, without a doubt, is a rare gem. A pure delight from start to finish!

Meet the author:

Lev Rosen is the author of books for all ages. Two for adults: All Men of Genius (Amazon Best of the Month, Audie Award Finalist) and Depth (Amazon Best of the Year, Shamus Award Finalist, Kirkus Best Science Fiction for April). Two middle-grade books: Woundabout (illustrated by his brother, Ellis Rosen), and The Memory Wall. His first Young Adult Novel, Jack of Hearts (and other parts) is forthcoming in 2018. His books have been sold around the world and translated into different languages as well as being featured on many best of the year lists, and nominated for awards.

Lev is originally from lower Manhattan and now lives in even lower Manhattan, right at the edge, with his husband and a very small cat. You can find him online at LevACRosen.com and @LevACRosen.

Find the tour schedule here: 

https://fantasticflyingbookclub.blogspot.com/2020/04/tour-schedule-camp-by-lev-ac-rosen.html

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JoJo's French Escape - Lorraine Wilson (Blog Tour)

Date of Reading: 16/05/2020

Author: Lorraine Wilson

Publisher: One More Chapter

Publication Date: May 22, 2020

Source: NetGalley

Rating: 3/5

(This review is part of the blog tour organised by Rachel's Random Resources)

About the book:

Trapped in paradise…

For twelve months JoJo Grant has been hiding from a secret too shameful to share.  And whilst her sanctuary might be the beautiful French countryside, JoJo has a horrible feeling that her peace is about to be shattered…because bursting into her life is the hottest celebrity chef around – Callum O’Connor.

Callum knows all about JoJo’s past, her time as a reality star, the scandal that has dogged her, but he isn’t sure why she’s still hiding?  After spending time with Jojo, it’s obvious to him that she has nothing to be ashamed of – she just needs to be a little braver…

But as much as JoJo likes Callum, he thrives on the glare of the outside world.  Can JoJo let go of her past…with Callum by her side?

Review:

      I will be honest. What I expected was a nice breezy summary read, but this book is far from a cute little love story. JoJo Grant is the victim of a sex tape scandal and for one year she has been keeping a low profile in the French countryside. Even after all this time, she is tormented by the memories left by it, constantly reminded by the English tourists who recognise this former reality TV star. The world is really bleak indeed when everyone presupposes things without any knowledge of what really happened.

      With the arrival of Callum, some of her previous confidence and passion for life returns, but that journey is hectic indeed. Added to this is the news of her ex-boyfriend and ex-bestie coming to France. With lots of interior monologues, Lorraine Wilson gives us an idea of the trauma she deals with and the inner struggles she faces to return as the familiar happy JoJo. All is not gloomy though. There are a group of canine friends who will amuse you throughout and there is Poppy's wedding to look forward to. 

     Altogether, this has been a meaningful and enlightening story that will move you to tears in no time. I found myself cheering for JoJo throughout. Way to go, dear girl!

Meet the author:

I live in Wiltshire, England, with my husband but love to travel and have lived in four continents. From playing amidst Roman ruins in Africa as a child to riding a Sultan's racehorse in the Middle East as a teen, I've many experiences to draw on for the stories I've been writing ever since I can remember. When I'm not writing you'll find me listening to audiobooks while I sew or design handbags, usually with a rescue terrier or two curled up on my feet! 

The Plus One Pact - Portia MacIntosh (Blog Tour)

Date of Reading: 19/05/2020

Author: Portia MacIntosh

Publisher: Boldwood Books

Publication Date: May 21, 2020
Source: NetGalley
Rating: 5/5

(This review is part of the blog tour organised by Rachel's Random Resources)

About the book:

What if your plus one could be the one...?

Cara has officially run out of men. Her most recent dates have gone from bad to worse, and when her dating app informs her there is no one left in her area to choose from, she is at a dead end.

But with a summer of events ahead of her, she needs to find a solution, fast; someone to keep her company at the never-ending weddings, family gatherings and gender reveal parties that she can’t face going to alone. So when she meets handsome, confident Millsy on a night out she may be in luck. They could not be more different in personality, but he too has a summer of events ahead and is desperate to get his family off his back about finding a ‘nice girl’. What if they made a pact to help each other out and be a plus one for the summer? Just as friends of course...?

A brand new romantic comedy from bestseller Portia MacIntosh, perfect for fans of Zara Stoneley, Sophie Ranald and Mhairi McFarlane.

Review:

      Portia MacIntosh's works are always a treat and this one is no different. The moment I read that dedication, I knew this is going straight to my favourite shelf. Yup! I was right. Fake date trope is one of my preferred plot devices and the author brings a breath of fresh air to this oft used theme.

     What is so different then? For one, Cara and Millsy are not faking a relationship. They are just being friendly plus ones in each other's social gatherings. And there are a lot of events, making the story quite fast-paced. What is hilarious is that in each event there occurs some mishaps and the way they work in sync to cover the crime is definitely my favourite part. In each party, I found myself waiting for the about to happen havoc and it never disappoints.

       Cara and Millsy are polar opposites from the outside, but they do have obvious chemistry and perfect balance found only in meant-to-be relationships. Having a feminist brother does have some influence on Cara's personality though she may never admit it. I love her confident personality and nerdy ways which comes in handy regularly. Her career choice of building escape rooms was also something new and that captivated me from the very beginning.

      Millsy, on the other hand, is our typical playboy who comes to his senses when his best friend Ruby (you guessed right, its not a bloke's name) is about to get married. Throughout the story, we can see his kindness and caring nature. Added to this is the take life by the horns attitude and that brings the best out of his nature. It is only at the end of the book I came to know this was a standalone sequel to 'Truth or Date'. Well, that is something I definitely need to read now to know more about Ruby. 

    On the whole, a beautiful story that gives complete justice to that charming cover. Highly recommended!

Meet the author:

Portia MacIntosh has been ‘making stuff up’ for as long as she can remember – or so she says. Whether it was blaming her siblings for that broken vase when she was growing up, blagging her way backstage during her rock chick phase or,

most recently, whatever justification she can fabricate to explain away those lunchtime cocktails, Portia just loves telling tales. After years working as a music journalist, Portia decided it was time to use her powers for good and started writing novels instead.

Bestseller Portia writes hilarious romcoms, drawing on her real-life experiences to show what it’s really like being a woman today – especially one who doesn’t quite have her life together yet.

Just Another Silly Love Song - Rich Amooi (Blog Tour)

Date of Reading: 13/05/2020

Author: Rich Amooi

Publication Date: April 29, 2020

Rating: 4/5

(This review is part of the blog tour organised by Rachel's Random Resources)

About the book:

New from the King of Romantic Comedy!

Two rival radio personalities. Lori Martin is a positive and upbeat DJ, known for playing love songs and dedications. Ben Baxter dishes out no-nonsense, in-your-face relationship advice. Total opposites. Never in a million years would they want to work together.

Fired for losing her cool after her boyfriend breaks up with her on the air, Lori surprisingly receives a job offer for the coveted morning show at the radio station across town where Ben works. She thinks she’s replacing him but finds out they want to team up Lori with her archenemy to set the airwaves on fire and boost ratings. Financially strapped, she can’t turn down the job.

While their on-air fireworks and explosive chemistry make for great listening, what in the world will happen after work hours?

Review:

      Why did I never consider reading this author before? Hmm, I know. . .  I was being an idiot. Sigh! Well, I am on the path of redemption now by adding this book to my favourite rom-com shelf. Rich Amooi, you have got yourself a new fangirl.

      What I love most about rom-com is the witty banter and in that sense, reading this novel was hitting the jackpot. Set in a radio station with my favourite enemies to lovers trope, there is not a single page without sassy dialogues. It was like eating ice cream all day long (without the side effects, of course). 

     I loved Ben and Lori from the very beginning and the chemistry is off the charts. And all the relationship advice the duo churns out is really the best part. Then there is grandma Joyce who is not at all affected by the generation gap. She really puts old age to shame.

     So if you are in the mood for a funny little romance to lighten up your days, then don't think twice. This will give you some incredible reading hours!

Meet the author:

Rich Amooi is the Amazon #1 Bestselling author of 15 romantic comedies, including It's Not PMS, It's You, Dying to Meet You, There's Something About a Cowboy, and Madam Love, Actually. Over 500,000 downloads from readers around the world.

A former radio personality and wedding DJ, Rich now writes romantic comedies full-time in San Diego, California, and is happily married to a kiss monster imported from Spain. Rich believes in public displays of affection, silliness, infinite possibilities, doughnuts, gratitude, laughter, and happily ever after.

The Girl of Ink and Stars - Kiran Millwood Hargrave

Date of Reading: 10/05/2020

Author: Kiran Millwood Hargrave

Publisher: Chicken House

Publication Date: May 5, 2016

Rating: 3.5/5

(This review is part of the #BookReviewBlogChallenge organised by 
Great New Reads
Day 08, Prompt: Star)

About the book:

Winner of the Waterstones Children's Book Prize 2017, and the British Book Awards' Children's Book of the Year 2017

Forbidden to leave her island, Isabella Riosse dreams of the faraway lands her father once mapped.

When her closest friend disappears into the island’s Forgotten Territories, she volunteers to guide the search. As a cartographer’s daughter, she’s equipped with elaborate ink maps and knowledge of the stars and is eager to navigate the island’s forgotten heart.

But the world beyond the walls is a monster-filled wasteland – and beneath the dry rivers and smoking mountains, a legendary fire demon is stirring from its sleep. Soon, following her map, her heart and an ancient myth, Isabella discovers the true end of her journey: to save the island itself.

Review:

      I fell in love with this book the moment I saw that cover. A bad habit probably, but sorry can't help it. A time when boy wizards and demigods rule children's books, it is good to see a thirteen-year-old girl having her own adventures even in the guise of her twin brother. Set in an island steeped in legends and mythical stories, 'The Girl of Ink and Stars' is an ordinary girl's tale of courage and steadfastness.

   Isabelle Riosse is the daughter of a cartographer and is also the best friend of Lupe, the only daughter of the Governor. Due to the dictatorship of her father, Lupe's family is hated by all and consequently, Isabella is her only friend. Lupe's desire to eat dragon fruit on her birthday leads to the death of one of her classmates. Hurt by Isabella's cruel words, she goes in search of the killer determined to prove that not everyone in her family is rotten. A search party is formed and Isabella volunteers to join in order to save her best friend. This is also her chance to map the places outside her village which she was forbidden to visit.

      The island of Joya and its history comes alive through Isabella's eyes and soon we are thrown into a vortex of events involving demonic beasts and hidden tunnels which until then had been thought to be just bedtime stories. With her lucid and clear style, Hargrave brings life and emotions to the intricacies of map-making quite efficiently. I never thought that this vocation can be as exciting as this.

      My sole complaint is regarding the length. The story had the scope of another 'Lord of the Rings', but it is wrapped up too quickly in around two hundred pages. Considering the age group the book is intended for, that could be a wise decision too. Altogether, an enjoyable story that really takes you to the warmth and brightness of stars.

Meet the author:

Kiran Millwood Hargrave is an award-winning poet, playwright, and novelist.

Her books include the bestselling winner of the British Book Awards Children's Book of the Year and the Waterstones Children's Book Prize 2017 The Girl of Ink & Stars, and Costa Book Awards- and Blue Peter Awards-shortlisted The Island at the End of Everything, and The Way Past Winter, Blackwell's Children's Book of the Year 2018.

Her debut YA novel The Deathless Girls was published in 2019 and was shortlisted for the YA Book Prize. Her debut book for adults, The Mercies, debuted as The Times number one bestseller, and at number five in the Sunday Times Bestseller Charts. Writing for the New York Times Book Review, Emily Barton called it 'among the best novels I've read in years'.

How to Stop Time - Matt Haig

Date of Reading: 08/05/2020

Author: Matt Haig

Publisher: Canongate Books

Publication Date: July 6, 2017

Rating: 4/5

(This review is part of the #BookReviewBlogChallenge organised by 

Great New Reads

Day 07, Prompt: Time)

About the book:

"The first rule is that you don't fall in love, ' he said... 'There are other rules too, but that is the main one. No falling in love. No staying in love. No daydreaming of love. If you stick to this you will just about be okay.'"

A love story across the ages - and for the ages - about a man lost in time, the woman who could save him, and the lifetimes it can take to learn how to live

Tom Hazard has a dangerous secret. He may look like an ordinary 41-year-old, but owing to a rare condition, he's been alive for centuries. Tom has lived history--performing with Shakespeare, exploring the high seas with Captain Cook, and sharing cocktails with Fitzgerald. Now, he just wants an ordinary life.

So Tom moves back to London, his old home, to become a high school history teacher--the perfect job for someone who has witnessed the city's history first hand. Better yet, a captivating French teacher at his school seems fascinated by him. But the Albatross Society, the secretive group which protects people like Tom, has one rule: never fall in love. As painful memories of his past and the erratic behaviour of the Society's watchful leader threaten to derail his new life and romance, the one thing he can't have just happens to be the one thing that might save him. Tom will have to decide once and for all whether to remain stuck in the past or finally begin living in the present.

How to Stop Time is a bighearted, wildly original novel about losing and finding yourself, the inevitability of change, and how with enough time to learn, we just might find happiness. 

Review:

      I usually make a general conception of the book from the blurb itself. So my thoughts went almost like this: A protagonist who ages slowly, trapped in a hideous society finally finds love, now both of them need to make it out and find a cure to live normally. How very wrong I was. 

      First of all, this is no Dan Brown thriller and there are no thugs chasing our lead character (well, except towards the end). Secondly, living a long life, without any superpowers is not only boring but also highly dangerous. Especially if you are born before Shakespeare at an age when witch-hunting was common. To make the matters worse, you may get memory headaches, a result of loneliness and depression. Yup, I will rather stick to my short mortal life.

       Tom Hazard is required to change his life every eight years. That is a compulsory requirement to be a part of the Albatross Society, a community of people who shares his condition. So this time he chooses to be a history teacher in a London school. With each history lesson he imparts, memories surface and we get to know the story of this centuries-old man. Talk about living and breathing history. The narrative pattern reminds me that of 'Slumdog Millionaire', only instead of quiz questions that take you back to the time, here we have history lessons or something else to trigger the past.

      But the biggest question is have the times changed? We are not superstitious anymore and the difference is celebrated everywhere. But how will you react to the existence of a man who is four hundred and thirty-nine years old? It is for us to find out.

      On the whole, this book has been something out of my comfort zone but I completely loved it. Slow-paced with emotions overloaded, this is perfect for work nights. You definitely will feel to take a breather in between to digest everything. The story of a man who lived with many of my literary idols . . . hmph! that was a lot to take in.

Meet the author:

Matt Haig was born in Sheffield, England in1975. He writes books for both adults and children, often blending the worlds of domestic reality and outright fantasy, with a quirky twist. His bestselling novels are translated into 28 languages. The Guardian has described his writing as 'delightfully weird' and the New York Times has called him 'a novelist of great talent' whose writing is 'funny, riveting and heartbreaking'.

His novels for adults are The Last Family in England, narrated by a labrador and optioned for film by Brad Pitt; The Dead Fathers Club (2006), an update of Hamlet featuring an 11-year-old boy; The Possession of Mr Cave (2008), about a man obsessed with his daughter's safety, and The Radleys (2010) which won Channel 4's TV Book Club public vote and was shortlisted for a Galaxy National Book Award (UK). 

World Without End - Ken Follett

Date of Reading: 05/05/2020

Author: Ken Follett

Publisher: Penguin

Year: 2007

Rating: 3/5

(This review is part of the #BookReviewBlogChallenge organised by

Great New Reads

Day 06, Prompt: Any book with 400+ pages)

About the book:

World Without End takes place in the same town of Kingsbridge, two centuries after the townspeople finished building the exquisite Gothic cathedral that was at the heart of The Pillars of the Earth. The cathedral and the priory are again at the centre of a web of love and hate, greed and pride, ambition and revenge, but this sequel stands on its own. This time the men and women of an extraordinary cast of characters find themselves at a crossroads of new ideas—about medicine, commerce, architecture, and justice. In a world where proponents of the old ways fiercely battle those with progressive minds, the intrigue and tension quickly reach a boiling point against the devastating backdrop of the greatest natural disaster ever to strike the human race—the Black Death.

Review:

     Ugh! Finally, I managed to finish it. That was the single most thought I had once I reached the end on my kindle. The novel had been a part of my TBR for a long time and many times over the years I started it and gave up. Part of the problem is with me. I wanted something as good as 'The Pillars of the Earth' but obviously, it is hard to compete with a masterpiece.

      It was good to go back to Kingsbridge watching a new generation making new mistakes. The story follows Follett's signature style. In more than a thousand pages, we witness the constant ups and downs of various characters and sometimes there comes the divine intervention through the plague or through the collapse of a bridge. As always, Follett reminds us of the unpredictability of life; we could never consider ourselves lucky until death, as the wheel of fortune is in constant motion.

      What bothered me is the characters and the overwhelming negative emotions they brought up. Apart from Caris and Gwenda, I didn't really like anyone. And both of them are crippled by their gender. Caris tries to fight it somehow through her position as a Prioress, but Gwenda also has the disadvantage of social class. Her infatuation with Wulfric (nope, I am not going to consider it as true love) is pathetic from the beginning. In a different place and time, she would have made wonders, but here she is satisfied with a handsome husband with nothing between the ears. Of course, Follett makes some amends at the end but that doesn't sway my opinion about Wulfric.

      None of the characters are especially good, but there are many who are evil. How is that possible? Shouldn't there be some balance like in the last novel? Physical abuse, adultery and deaths abound and so if you are not able to stomach some of these, then better keep away. Black death is something we can easily identify with during these times. Curiously, Caris adopts the same method that we selected to fight COVID; complete lockdown. Looks like we haven't come that far from the 1350s. But the good thing is, it shows us we can survive; better days are yet to come.

Meet the author:

Ken Follett is one of the world’s most successful authors. Over 165 million copies of the 31 books he has written have been sold in over 80 countries and in 33 languages.

Born on June 5th, 1949 in Cardiff, Wales, the son of a tax inspector, Ken was educated at state schools and went on to graduate from University College, London, with an Honours degree in Philosophy – later to be made a Fellow of the College in 1995.

He started his career as a reporter, first with his hometown newspaper the South Wales Echo and then with the London Evening News. Subsequently, he worked for a small London publishing house, Everest Books, eventually becoming Deputy Managing Director.

Ken, who loves music almost as much as he loves books, is an enthusiastic bass guitar player in two bands. He lives in Stevenage, Hertfordshire, with his wife Barbara, the former Labour Member of Parliament for Stevenage.