The Road Back by Liz Harris

The Road Back by Liz Harris

 When Patricia accompanies her father, Major George Carstairs on a trip to Ladakh, north of the Himalayas, in the early 1960s, she sees it as a chance to finally win his love. What she could never have foreseen is meeting Kalden – a local man destined by circumstances beyond his control to be a monk, but fated to be the love of her life. Despite her fathers fury, the lovers are determined to be together, but can forbidden love survive?

The story is classic, girl meets boy, controlling father forbids it, adversity needs to be overcome, and the rest as they say is history. However, this story takes the reader on so many twist’s and turns it becomes the ultimate emotional roller coaster. This book has all of the special ingredients we have come to expect from the Choc Lit library and does not disappoint. Im not going to give any spoilers but you will need the hankies along the way and a box of Malteesers, a cosy beanbag and the phone switched off would mean you really do get the full benefit of this wonderful novel.

Liz Harris has a degree in English and therefore the quality of the writing is excellent and it a real treat to enjoy. As well as following the story of Patricia, Kalden and others, the trip to Ladakh is insightfully picturesque and a fraction of the cost of going for real but no less vivid. 

The Commuting Bookworm 27/09/12

The Secret She Kept by Amelia Carr

As it was an Advance Reading Copy I was sent to review by Newbooks Magazine, there is no blurb on the back of my copy telling me what this novel is about, or what to expect.  This always makes for an exciting adventure within the pages and this book is no disappointment. I will focus on the barebones of the story but concentrate on how I enjoyed it, so as not to give any spoilers.

The story jumps between the 1950’s and the late 1980’s. We have Fliss and Jo who are sailing partners and best friends. When Fliss finds herself pregnant in the 1950’S she has no alternative but to marry Martin. We really get a bit of social history because the narrative tells us about the cars, the house and also people’s perception at the time. We also know about the emotions of heartbreak surrounding young girls who had to have babies adopted.

 In the 1980’S are introduced to Emma and we follow her journey for the search of the truth.  We follow her onto the Jubilee Sailing trust’s boat The lord Nelson, where she becomes a watch leader and becomes friends with a young disabled woman called Mel.  

Amelia Carr transforms us from one era, to another and keeps us attached to all of the characters in the most substantial way. I found myself being so attached to this book, I was even stirring the dinner whilst reading, so unable to leave it, it is a real page turner. I feel that Emma is my own personal  friend; I cared so very much about her and her story.

There is no disappointment in this emotional page turner, it has several ‘love stories’ for the romantics amongst us, lots of interest for those who like a bit of social history and plenty of emotional action and the twist and turns would make Agatha Christie jealous! 

Personal Read 5 : Reading Group 5

The Commuting Bookworm 06/09/12

http://www.newbooksmag.com/

Police, Crime & 999 by John Donoghue

I was kindly sent a copy of this book by the author, however this in no way has influenced my review.

I found this book to be laugh out load funny in many places, John has a very wicked sense of humour and this comes out in his reminiscence of situations he has found himself in, whilst on duty as a Police constable some where up north in the UK.

Because of his location, I found some of the stereo types of people quite sad, but I do know from personal experience they are probably very true. I’m sure he has cleaned up many of the stories so that they do not cause offence and to protect the innocent (and those that could influence his career). 

A well written book that has been written in a narrative form and therefore sometimes John does digress, and you feel like you want to prod him back on track of his original story. However, this is a trait that so many ex-solders have, and it’s a bit endearing and reminds me of sitting in the pub listening to my dads (also ex-solder) stories. Because each chapter is a separate incidence, this is a great book for having by your bed side or in the bathroom as it is perfect for dipping in and out of when you only have a few minutes to read.

The Commuting Bookworm 04/09/12