In brief: Behind the scenes of Seasons 1 and 2 of Bridgerton, from costumes to music to sets. The good: Great to get detailed explanations of why the costumes and music were done as they were. The not-so-good: Hardcover = heavy to read in the middle of summer. Why I chose it: Loved the Bridgerton... Continue Reading →
Mailbox Monday and What I’m Reading: 30/1/23
A bit of a mixed up week with a public holiday in the middle. There’s a good mixture of fun and serious books below: Loathe to Love You by Ali Hazelwood is a collection of three novellas about female scientists and enemies to lovers in a number of different settings - roommate from hell, elevator... Continue Reading →
REVIEW: Velvet was the Night by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
In brief: Maite’s life revolves around music and romance comics. Elvis is part of a secret gang to bringdown student protests. When they both get involved with a missing student, it makes things way more dramatic. The good: I didn’t know a lot about the politics of Mexico City in the 70s before this. The... Continue Reading →
REVIEW: Compulsion by Kate Scott
In brief: Lucy’s life is hedonistic to say the least. She blows it all up to retreat to a small seaside town, but a lot of ways follow her. Can quiet Robin be the change she needs? The good: Lots of great music referenced. The not-so-good: A bit repetitive – party, music, sex, drugs, repeat.... Continue Reading →
Mailbox Monday and What I’m Reading: 23/1/23
It’s really hot as I’m writing this so it will be quick. Two new books I’m looking forward to lazing around and reading: Inside Bridgerton by Shonda Rhimes and Betsy Beers is a lush hardcover illustrated book detailing behind the scenes of the TV series of Bridgerton from costumes to settings. Dear Dolly: on Love,... Continue Reading →
REVIEW: The Rom-Com Agenda by Jayne Denker
In brief: Eli’s girlfriend dumps him after she proposes. But he’s not done yet – if he follows the advice of his friends and the heroes of romantic movies, he’s sure to win her back. Leah is drawn into the plan of Eli’s friends and soon she realises that she just might like him… The... Continue Reading →
Mailbox Monday and What I’m Reading: 16/1/23
Yep, it’s been another busy week. I’ve spent more time watching TV and playing games than reading I think! Here are my new books: Spike: The Virus vs the People – The Inside Story by Jeremy Farrar and Anjana Ahuja is the story of COVID-19 from its earliest days to the height of the pandemic,... Continue Reading →
REVIEW: This Time Tomorrow by Emma Straub
In brief: Alice is about to turn forty. But when she does, she finds herself sixteen again. Small changes on that day lead to big changes in her future. But which one reflects what she really wants? The good: Great story with great characters. The not-so-good: Read it far too quickly! Why I chose it:... Continue Reading →
Mailbox Monday and What I’m Reading: 9/1/23
An unexpectedly busy week – hopefully things are more consistent this week. An Ungrateful Instrument by Michael Meehan (available 1st February)arrived thanks to Transit Lounge. Antoine and his son Jean-Baptiste are musicians for Louis XIV, unique for their music. It’s about ambition, music and family. Infectious by Dr John S. Tregoning is about pathogens and... Continue Reading →
REVIEW: Diddly Squat: ‘Til the Cows Come Home by Jeremy Clarkson
In brief: The next collection of Jeremy’s farming articles, where he buys some cows, attempts to build a café and runs into a power pole. The good: Funny, but it also brings into sharp relief the huge number of rules and regulations in the farmer’s life. The not-so-good: I need to watch Season 2 of... Continue Reading →