I have to admit I was a bit apprehensive when I started this book. I thought it was going to be a really deep and depressing tale about a poor maritime family. And truthfully that is exactly what it is – but also much more. Donna Morrissey is a gifted author – weaving emotions and landscapes in such great detail that you are transported there. I stayed up until 2am last night finishing this book because I just couldn’t put it down and first thing this morning  I ordered another of  her books. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves modern classic literature.

Have you read or seen the movie “Chocolat”? It was written by Joanne Harris and she has blessed her readers by writing The Lollipop Shoes based on the same character ” Vianne”

It has been a long time since I have read a book that I could not put down. I enjoyed every word – cover to cover – and actually felt a bit sad that I had completed it so quickly!

Joanne Harris is a superbly talented story teller and her main character Vianne comes alive once again in this supernatural tale of one woman’s family, friends and love. I highly recommend this book and this author – surely Joanne Harris will be amongst the modern classics.

I enjoyed this book enough to refer it to a friend, however I do feel like the author “sold-out” on the ending of the book. What do you think?

I highly recommend this book – the beginning is a bit slow, but stick with it – the story is well worth the effort. When I finished the book, I considered turning it around and starting it again – IT WAS THAT GOOD!

The Eiger Sanction was one of two books on the floor of my husbands car when we parked in the Seattle airport on our way to Vegas for our tenth wedding anniversary.  Having left my novel at home I knew I would not cope well with my fear of flying without something to occupy my mind on the two and a half hour flight.  Neither of the novels looked like it was “my kind of book” but my husband recommended the Eiger Sanction so I stuck it in my bag and we headed to our flight.  We had about forty minutes in the waiting lounge and my husband had his head in a book but I couldn’t bring myself to start mine.  The cover stated it was “The Bestseller by Trevanian” and “Now and explosive film starring Clint Eastwood”.  This was not going to be a easy Sophie Kinsella book!  I finally opened it as we started to take off.  I was pleasantly surprised by the humour on the first page, the character Wormwood was written with such clarity that I couldn’t help but laugh aloud.  “His reflection  rippled along a dark shop window and he was not displeased with what he saw.  The confident glance and determined stride more than compensated for the sloping shoulders and balding head.  Wormwood twisted his palms outward to correct his shoulder slump because someone once told him that the best way to achieve a manly posture was to walk with the palms forward.  It was most uncomfortable, and it made him walk rather like a penguin, but he did it whenever he thought of it.”  I found the character descriptions wonderful to read and so eccentric, my favourite being the gardener “you stupid weeds!  Always screwing up!  If you ain’t brown and scruffy, you’re too green!  Well, this’ll fix you!’ Snip!”  I always looked forward to scenes with the gardener.  The premise of the book is that an assassin, Jonathan Hemlock must complete a “sanction” during a climbing expedition on the Eiger.  The excitement comes from the fact he has no idea who the target is. The Eiger Sanction is a well written, exciting read…lots of action, sex and humour!  Although I never would have thought to read a novel such as this I was pleasantly engrossed and I’m eager to find the film with Clint Eastwood.  If you are looking for a novel that both you and your husband might enjoy…this one is a great choice.  Would I choose it over a Sophie Kinsella novel, no, but it was a good read in it’s own right.

A romantic comedy about a married woman wondering about “the one that got away”
When I picked this book off the shelf, I thought it would be a great chic read – perfect for relaxing in the sun. I have read Something Borrowed, Something Blue and Baby Proof also by Emily Giffin, and loved both novels. However, I am sorely disappointed by Love the One You’re With.
I am not looking for some great work of fiction, or even a mention on the Opera list, but, I was looking for a nice easy read – one that I couldn’t put down, and would surely stay up past 11pm to finish.
Instead, the novel is sitting beside my bed, glaring at me, because I have not yet finished it (and am not sure I will) but I can’t bring myself to buy a new book!
I bought this book (hardcover) for $20 – and honestly am not sure it would have even been worth $8 for paperback.
All and all this was a dud and highly UN-recommended.

Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follet is a riveting read. I just finished my 6th re-read of it and found it just as good as the fist time! Follet is able to seemlessly blend action, adventure, romance, and history.

The story tells of a young man, Tom the builder, who yearns to build a Cathedral in 12th Century England. Not being a history buff, when my father suggested I read this 1,000 page historical novel about english cathedrals I was reluctant. A few months later I came across the book on my shelf and having nothing better to do I opened it up and started reading. Three days later I was finished. I’m still not sure what happened in the world around me during those three days as I was lost in a world of romance and revenge.

It is impossible to explain the plot of this intricate story. Each character, and there are many, carries his or her own sub-plot and the story spans over many years; However, the story blends itself beautifully between all the stories.

I cannot say how much of this novel is based on fact. That does not concern me as I do not read it for historical information but the ‘feel’ of the story is 12th Century England. Anyone who is interested in a book of adventure, intrigue and romance will find great suspence and joy in this work of art.

I have read a number of Follet’s novels over the years and have been disappointed not to have found one as spell-binding as Pillars of the Earth.

This is not a book for the serious reader. This is a fun, light book for someone sun tanning at the beach. Think “The sisterhood of the travelling pants” however, I doubt The Summerhouse will be made into a movie.

All and all this book was worth the $8.00 I spent to purchase it.

The Birth House by Ami McKay is the first book review on the Fiction Diva website! I finished this book in a matter of days and throughly enjoyed it! It is a fairly light read – perfect for sitting outside in the sun and consuming!

Ami McKay is so discriptive in her writing – my favorite line is “Our little village perched on the crook of God’s finger…” This is the perfect introduction to Dora Rare and her small maritime community. This book takes place in the early 1900′s and weaves the tale of Dora Rare – a wise and healing woman.