BOOKS: Miranda Dickinson - Fairytale of New York

After reading 'I'll Take New York' by Miranda Dickinson over Christmas I decided to purchase the prequel 'Fairytale of New York' and whilst the main protagonists are not the same, they are part of the same family. The books are connected but you can read them separate from each other and still love them just as much I found.

'Fairytale of New York' follows the character of Rosie Duncan (also featured as a close friend in 'I'll Take New York'), a business owner of a florist, we watch as she struggles to deal with the secrets from her past. This story made me want to become a florist. I liked how Miranda Dickinson made even the smallest roles of characters so important and valuable. Even the characters that we are meant to dislike I couldn't help but love them. Ed and Nate are both characters that I wish featured in my own life, and in some cases you can't help but recognise  your own friends in these characters that, for me, is one of my favourite things about novels. Stories that take you away from your own life and allow you to escape but which feel incredibly realistic that you could almost live in those roles.

I also love how romantic Miranda Dickinson portrays New York. Both of her books has only made my dream of going to New York more prominent. Despite the city seeming so big,  I like how the author has made it very clear that everyone has a different, unique story despite all being linked by particular people. The novel also makes it clear how important friendship is, and how we rely on those people in the times of need. How friends can help you get through the cringiest of moments and the most difficult experiences in  your life.

This book made me laugh, cry and say 'my god, I am just like this character'. I can't possibly begin to express how much I enjoyed 'Fairytale of New York', it was perfectly magical and definitely worth picking up. No doubt you will not be able to put it down.

What have you been reading recently?

♥

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BOOKS: Lindsey Kelk - Jenny Lopez Series

I was never a fan of the idea of e-books, but it appears that more and more authors are releasing short stories that are only available via Kindle or other e-book sites. To me this was a little annoying but in the past couple of months I've really been enjoying reading these e-books. After downloading the Kindle app on to my phone, I find it so much easier to read books whilst I'm on my lunch breaks and this way I don't have to carry the book to work with me.

Anyway, I've recently read Lindsey Kelk's spin-off short stories of Jenny Lopez. This includes 'Jenny Lopez has a Bad Week' and 'Jenny Lopez Saves Christmas'. I'm a big fan of Lindsey Kelk already and I loved the 'I Heart' Series, which is where the character of Jenny Lopez has come from. She's one of those really fun loving characters that if you've read the 'I Heart' Series you no doubt loved her. So reading these short stories about the character herself was really fun. I only finished reading 'Jenny Lopez Saves Christmas' the other day but I loved every minute of it. From the old characters to the new ones they were all completely lovable. I can't help but wish that I could live Jenny Lopez's life for a single day because no doubt it will be eventful.

If you're looking for something to read on your lunch breaks or whilst travelling, I would seriously recommend the 'Jenny Lopez' series. They are so funny and they don't feel too short  or too long. They were just perfect and especially if you're having a rough day at work/school these will cheer you up no end. What I also really loved about 'Jenny Lopez Saves Christmas' is how Lindsey Kelk also tied in her second series of books of 'About A Girl' using the character of Bertie Bennett. I love books that tie together even if it's loosely.

What other e-books would you recommend because I am on the lookout now.

♥

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BOOKS: Miranda Dickinson - I'll Take New York

I'm going to admit that I have been reading Miranda Dickinson's 'I'll Take New York' for absolutely ages and not because I didn't enjoy it (I honestly, loved it) but with working over Christmas pretty much non-stop and it not really slowing down afterwards I've been getting into my bed and switching the light off immediately. However, I spent last weekend finishing the book and I loved every minute of it.

It's one of those stories that I feel like is going to stay with me. Every part of it created a vivid image for me, it was like watching a movie. The detail and the characters were so clearly portrayed. 'I'll Take New York' is designed as a second part to her 'Fairytale of New York' however, it can also be read as a stand alone story - which is how I read it - it's just some of the characters are the same.

The story follows Bea who meets Jake at a party, both having experienced pretty terrible relationship problems recently connect over their love of New York and make a pact swearing off relationships. I like how Miranda made Bea a strong female protagonist making it on her own in New York and I love the friendship she shares with Jake. Jake is also just a lovable character. The story is from both of these characters point of view which normally I don't like as it can get confusing, or I just like reading from one characters perspective. However, I was intrigued to read both of their stories as although they shared time together, I liked finding out more about both the protagonists past.

It's a great easy chick-lit read. I don't want to give too much away, I think if you're a fan of Lindsey Kelk or Sophie Kinsella you'll love this. As soon as I saw this is WHSmiths a few weeks ago now, I saw New York and had to pick it up (a girl can dream about going, right?) It was definitely worth the read and the story has lots of twists and turns, definitely a memorable one. I've also picked up 'Fairytale of New York' too, which I can't wait to read. Finally, I  liked at the end of the book, where she included a list of her favourite movies set in New York as well as a playlist of the songs that she was listening to whilst writing the book, which I just think adds to entire novel.

Have you read any Miranda Dickinson books before? What's your favourite.

♥

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BOOKS: Jane Costello - My Single Friend

After re-reading Jane Costello's 'Girl on the Run' I went a bit Jane Costello mad and wanted to read more of her books. My sister-in-law's mum had recently given me 'My Single Friend' so I thought I'd give it a go, knowing that it'd be an easy read and would make me chuckle.

The story follows Lucy who embellishes her lifestyle when on dates, despite the fact that she's got a great job and is actually a very lovable character, obviously these embellishments backfire on her. Living with her geeky best friend, Henry, the two of them decide to give him a makeover including two best friends, Dominique and Erin. Whilst they embark on their mission which is 'Project Henry' to make him datable. Giving him a new hair cut, new clothes and new glasses and teaching him how to flirt. We see their friendship develop and unfold, whilst sometimes it's tested.

Henry is literally the best guy friend that we all want and I couldn't help but love him, whilst I wanted to slap him sometimes it was out of love. Lucy is another great character from Costello, she writes about these successful women too which is quite inspiring rather than the female protagonist always being written as a damsel in distress. If you're looking for an easy read with lots of laughs, then this is definitely for you. I read this book so quick as I never wanted to put it down.

If you have any book recommendations for me, leave them below.

♥

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BOOKS: Jane Costello - Girl on the Run

I fall in love with books very easily, but it's very rarely a book sticks with me and I want to read that book over and over again. However, Jane Costello's 'Girl on the Run' is one of the few that I have this relationship with. I first read this book a few years ago and I just loved it. The characters are incredibly believable along with their relationships with each other. Okay, so parts may be slightly over dramatised but then it's a book, they're supposed to be otherwise they'd be boring.

Abby Rogers is my hero. She works hard but exercise isn't really her thing until hunky Oli suddenly makes a running club appealing. She's funny and has plenty of awkward moments that make me love the character as she isn't all sophisticated. Not only is it the characters that stick with me, but the reason to the novel. There are some heavier topics within the book and I think Jane Costello explores the topics really well and it's this story that has stayed with me. She also knows how to make small moments stay with you too.

If you're looking for something to get you back into reading then this is definitely one of those books. It's easy and quick to read and I was addicted to this when I was reading it again. It's the perfect 'chick lit' book but with more (does that even make sense?) You will love Abby and Mau along with all the other wonderful characters that Jane Costello created. It's definitely worth the read and won't disappoint.

Have you read 'Girl on the Run' or another of Jane Costello's novel's? What did you think?

♥

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