#383 ~ Of Mice and Men

Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck

My rating: 5 of 5 stars







I have to admit to this book being my Nemesis, it was the book that put me off all those years ago doing 'O' Level English Literature ... and it has been the book that I've hated the most since that tender age of 16.

Quite by chance earlier this year I had a discussion with my Daughter about the standard of GCSE teaching, and Examination. She said it was hard and I maintained that it was easy - so a challenge from her ensued and I before I knew it I'd been signed up to take my GCSE English as a very immature student!

You can therefore imagine my horror when it was revealed in a big TAH DAH!!!! moment by the Tutor that this book was going to form one of my Controlled Assessment pieces - oh crikey, I was dreading it.

I'm happy to report though that not only has the standard tuition improved vastly since my long ago days at School, but having read it about four or five times now, and gone over every nuance with the Tutor .... I've actually come to appreciate the standard of writing. Steinbeck was certainly on his 'A' game when he wrote it. I was also to astonished it wasn't the tome akin to War and Peace I had remembered, but a Novella.

I hate to admit this but a big fat 5 Stars from me, and a recommendation to try it again if you only studied it as a child all those years ago.

As for the exam, the course work is proving to be challenging, but I am determined to get an A* grade ... maybe that this a dim hope, but I won't be let down by lack of work to prove to my scoffing Daughter that there is life in the old girl yet. I'm also putting Grapes of Wrath and other Steinbeck on my WTR list!


Product Details:

Seriously, give this book a go, and don't be like me and let childhood prejudice get in the way of enjoying a true classic.  Also, take the challenge and up date your Qualifications if you have time, it's proving really enjoyable.

If you fancy giving this Classic a go, then you can purchase it HERE.


Errors/Bug Bears:

Unsurprisingly, there were none.



I will update John Steinbeck on my Authors page, but it might be in a few days time, as I am currently converting that to a list.ly file for ease of use - it seems to be working out really well for the Reviewed and Waiting for Review Lists.

Whilst I think about it, I am also in the process of setting up a wordpress blog for the Toodles Book Club, as it is more user friendly for book blogs, and you can get list.ly and other really cool book blog specific plug ins.  It won't be going live for a good while yet though.


Happy reading.

Hugs

Kay

#378 - A Life to Waste

A Life To Waste by Andrew Lennon

My rating: 3 of 5 stars















Andrew Lennon, the Author, kindly provided me with a free MOBI file of this Novella, in exchange for an honest and unbiased Review.

I have to say first thing, that normally, I'm not that into horror, but was highly surprised by this offering from Andrew.

From a fairly innocent start after a life completely wasted by an accident and inability to get a grip, this turned into a fascinating horror that I really got into, and an accidental Hero was born.

I don't want to provide any spoilers, but really you should definitely read this if you're into horror, and even if you aren't give it a go, as the writing is really quite good.

The only thing small thing that bothered me was some of the formatting, some of the page numbers and Author Name ran onto the next page, and some odd line spacing. I'm not shouting too loud about this though, as (a) it was liveable with; and (b) it could simply be that as this was a MOBI file I added to my Kindle myself that the actual Kindle copy you would download from Amazon could be perfectly fine. Either way, it wasn't a major issue, and didn't intrude on my actual enjoyment of this Novella.

Other than that there were no Errors/Bug Bears that were obvious, and the Author should be congratulated on a good product.

With a little bit more work, and some added twists and turns in the plot, this could have gone the distance to a full length novel, and probably another star, as it is 3 stars from me. I would definitely read more by Andrew, and look forward to the success of this piece of work, and more from him in the future.


Product Details:

As I mentioned above, I was provided with a MOFI file copy for my Kindle free direct from the Author, Andrew Lennon, in return for an honest and unbiased Review.

If you are interested in reading this well written piece of literature click HERE.  It's available in both Kindle and paperback versions.


Errors/Bug Bears:

Nothing major.




Happy reading.

Hugs

Kay

My Daily Selection for Free Kindle Download at Amazon

Ruined by a Rake

Erin Knightley

Kindle Store > Books > Fiction > Historical > Romance

Indie Writer (Self-published)

*Introducing a New Author to the Blog*

Now, that sounds like a lovely idea on this misty Thursday morning ........ ruined by a Rake!

Hence my choice for today - sorry, I can't help reverting to type given the smallest opportunity.

So, back to the ruination:

It started with a kiss.

When nine-year-old Eleanor Abbington first met her uncle's new stepson, Nicolas Norton, the boy rudely stole a kiss from her that set the tone for their contentious and competitive relationship. It wasn't until years later when Nick introduced her to fencing that they finally had a proper outlet for their frequent arguments. 

Having just emerged from mourning following her mother's death, Eleanor is exactly where she wishes to be at the age of four-and-twenty: an on-the-shelf spinster and unofficial companion to her aunt. Unfortunately, her ambitious uncle has other plans for her future. On the eve of his house party, he lays down his ultimatum: either Eleanor marries the man of his choosing, or he'll force her seventeen-year-old sister to do so instead. 

When Nick unexpectedly arrives on their doorstep after a two year absence, Eleanor is in no mood for their normal banter. Seeming to know exactly what she needs, Nick challenges her to pick up the foil once more. During their pre-dawn matches, he shows her just how strong she can be . . . and exactly how much he's changed since leaving. But when her old adversary becomes her only ally, she may very well find herself . . . Ruined by a Rake.

Unfortunately (or fortunately if you are looking to add numbers to your 2013 challenge), this is just a Novella, but fill your boots by getting hold of the download whilst it's free HERE.

Happy reading.

Hugs

Kay

My Daily Selection for Free Kindle Download at Amazon

Vampnesia

Kate Shay

*NEW AUTHOR

Kindle Store > Books > Fiction > Fantasy > Vampires

Indie Writer (Self-published)

I'm keeping it short today, much like my selection.

A little vampire offering:

She once was a vampire. . . 

Capturing a human is not the same as capturing what it is to be human. There are only two escapes from a vampire life: extinction, or something entirely familiar. 

Nia is human again, but not for long. Will she make the same mistakes again? Will she still love and remember the one who has always loved her for time, eternity and beyond?

Vampnesia is what Nia has to fight!

No reviews, but it's short at 138 pages, so give it chance ...... click HERE to download it.

On Amazon today my rating is (<) to 4,537. I suppose that I'm still heading in the right direction, but very slowly now. I would love to get to the top 1,000 Reviewers' some day ....... so if you find the Daily Kindle Downloads info useful please go over to my Reviews on Amazon and leave me some positive feedback  on some of my reviews (which helps my rating, and will earn you my grateful thanks).

Hugs

Kay

#362 - Dancing with the Duke

Dancing with the Duke

Suzanna Medieros

*NEW AUTHOR

Kind Store > Books > Fiction > Historical > Romance

Indie Writer (Self-published)

Description:

She's loved him for years...

Charlotte Grant can't remember a time when she didn't love her best friend's older brother.

He's never noticed her...

The Duke of Clarington hadn't spared a thought for his sister's friend in years.

Their situations are about to be reversed...

It is the beginning of a new Season and Clarington intends to stay away from all the young ladies and eager mamas hoping to ensnare a duke. But that plan falls into tatters when his mother sponsors his sister's friend and enlists him to dance with her at Almack's. The beautiful vixen he meets that night bears little resemblance to the shy, gangly girl who used to follow him around. Now, instead of avoiding Charlotte, he finds himself frustrated when she seems to notice everyone but him.

Product Details:

I downloaded this for free for my Kindle back in March this year, and having just checked it is still available free.  Click HERE to take you to the product page at Amazon.

It's a prequel novella to the Landing a Lord series. BONUS CONTENT: Includes the first chapter of Loving the Marquess, Book 1 of the Landing a Lord series, and an excerpt from Vivienne Westlake's A Marquess for Christmas.

Novella - 60 pages (216 KB).

* * * * *

Summary/thoughts:

There was nothing inherently wrong with it, actually it was quite enjoyable and un-taxing to read.  It was, however, very short and it could have been a tiny bit longer to develop the characters and plot a little more.

Rating:

Given that there were a few errors it doesn't really merit more than a 3.5 on here.  Good Reads and Amazon will have to be rounded down to 3.

Errors/Bug Bears:

17% - At Almack's there was no mention of her being given permission to waltz.  It could be that it was assumed she'd had the relevant permission ahead of time, but it's just a nice to know piece of detail.

20% - "....she was at the house every day visiting with his sister".  With seemed a bit superfluous.

33%, 42% & 72% - "duke".  Capital letter Duke.

I then got bored with bookmarking places where an initial capital letter should have been used for a word .... there were quite a few thought.

Hugs

Kay

My Daily Selection for Free Kindle Download

The Madman, The Witch and the Exectuioner's Apprentice ~ Edward Chilvers

*NEW AUTHOR

Kindle Store > Books > Fiction > Historical > Short Stories

Published by: One Fine Day Reading

I was intrigued by the title of this one, although it is only a novella.  There have been no reviews, but oh well, it's not costing anything.  It's quite nice sometimes to read a novella, especially when you are a bit unsure about how it will pan out!

You can find it available as a free download HERE .

Get me ..... my rating is down to 6,949 today (>).  I would love to get to the top 1,000 Reviewers' some day .... so if you find the Daily Kindle Download info useful please go over to my Reviews on Amazon and leave me some positive feedback - which helps my rating, and will earn you my grateful thanks.

Hugs

Kay

#320 (#38 of 2013) - Letter of Love ~ Virginia Henley *NEW AUTHOR

Letter of Love ~ Virginia Henley

Kindle > Books > Fiction > Historical > Romance

Description:

At Hampton Court Palace, Queen Elizabeth has arranged a marriage for her ward Burgundy Bedford with Lord Nicholas Mountjoy, Earl of Devon.

This union will join two great shipping families and provide Mountjoy with vessels to transport his troops to Ireland to quell the uprising led by Tyrone of Ulster.

Burgundy plans to thwart the queen, as her mother did before her, by eloping the day before the wedding.  He comes into possession of an ancient book passed down through two centuries from mother to daughter.

Between the pages of the book, Burgundy finds a letter written to her by her mother when her daughter was born.

The book's ancient legacy and the letter of love touches her heart and alters the course of her life forever.

Product Details:

I snagged this as a freebie on the Kindle Store back in December, but currently it is listed as 77p.  You can get it HERE.

Novella - 35 pages.

* * * *

Summary:

Okay for a really quick read, as it was only 35 pages long.  I snagged it as a free download, but I don't think I would have been happy to pay the current listed price even so.  Not because of the length, but the lack of credibility.

Notwithstanding that this is a work of fiction, very early on Good Queen Bess bared her chest to a nobleman .... really, would that really have happened? I know that morals were lax them, but come on.

The next incident of credibility was towards the end, where the couple were riding in landscape of  Rhododendron and Azaleas.  From my limited knowledge of our history, I'm pretty certain that they were brought over from China in the late 18th century.

I'm no Historian, and I am willing to be corrected if the above points are in fact correctly stated by the author.  Call me a nitpicking whatsit, but a passing nod at research is nice to have.

That along with a few typographical errors kept the overall rating down to a 2.5 stars, and probably on Amazon just a 2 star rating as it doesn't rate the upgrade.

Hugs

Kay

#300 (#18 of 2013) - Dark Prelude ~ Andrea Parnell *NEW AUTHOR

Description:

This short novella is a prequel to the novel Dark Splendor.

A chance encounter offers lovely young Silvia Bradstreet an escape from her miserable life in London. The Eastwind sails for the American colonies in two weeks. If Silvia chooses to accept the offer of a mysterious benefactor, she must be ready to risk her life for a chance at freedom. 

Silvia's dark fate starts here, in a novella-length prequel to the sexy Gothic romance novel Dark Splendor.

Product Details:

Purchased on Kindle as a freedown load actually, at the time of writing this post it is 77p as a Kindle Book.

Novella - 67 pages.

* * * *

Summary:

Well, I'm glad I snagged this as a freebie!

Actually, in this instance not because of the writing, which from the very short example of it, was just fine and dandy.

Having thought about it .....  if I paid the current price of 77p I would feel more that a bit cheated, as this piece of literature is no more than half a prologue.  True, the author has provided a good "hook in", but there is absolutely no conclusion or satisfaction in reading it, other than to decide that it might be wroth seeing where she goes from there.

Pretty much better to have written a true short story or Novella setting the scene that was was offered.  I read many authors who have nice well concluded prologues at the beginning of the books .... and they don't have the bare-faced cheek to make you pay for it.

All in all, because I feel that this is no more than an excerpt that they are expecting to be paid for, not a satisfactory prelude/prologue ... the writing alone justifies a 2 star rating overall.  This could so easily have been much higher (the quality of the actual writing was better than a lot of others) if it could be perceived as better value for the money.

Don't get me wrong, I would probably read the book attached to this at some point ... but now won't be making it a priority due to my perception of having been ripped off a little (even though I got it for free).  I'm all for "hooking readers in", but expect slightly more usually to make it worth while picking up the Kindle.

Hugs

Kay

#296 (#14 of 2013) - Wicked Morning ~ Heather Boyd *NEW AUTHOR

Description:

Widow, Clara Blackstone, is a faithful woman who has mourned her philandering husband for the last six months. Sheltered from pity and whispering tongues at a friend's country estate, Clara awaits the birth of her first child with mounting confusion. Despite the tiny life growing inside her, she dreams of passion in Reggie's arms. And the erotic fantasies grow more compelling every day.

When Reginald Moore's wife died in the arms of her lover, Clara's husband, he whisked pregnant Clara away from false friends to his country estate to avoid the strain of the scandal. After six months of pretence, Reggie is done mourning his faithless wife and, despite his originally noble intentions, he longs to have Clara in his bed - unborn child and all. 

But are his skills of persuasion enough to convince Clara to set aside her grief for a faithless man and choose a new life with the one who stood by her, no matter the obstacle?

Product Details:

35 page Novella.  Purchased on Kindle free, and at the time of this review it is still being offered as a freebie.

* * * * 

Summary:

It took only about 10 minutes to read this, which doesn't really seem like the effort was worth it.

As far as the writing goes, it ways okay ... just okay.  I was left feeling that really with just a little bit of effort the actual plot could have been expanded to at least reach Novella proportions, rather than what I consider to be just a very short story.

Therefore a 3 star read, which has gone into my One Offs folder.  That notwithstanding, I would probably read something longer by this author in the future.

Kay

#295 (#13 of 2013) - Lady Sophia's Rescue ~ Cheryl Bolen

Description:

As Lady Sophia passes through the gates of her new bridegroom’s country estate and he begins to whisper in her ear the delights that await her in his bed, Lady Sophia realizes she has made a most dreadful mistake. There’s only one thing to do. She must bolt.

The bride-on-the-run is rescued by the exceedingly handsome William Birmingham who thinks she’s a woman named Isadore, and though he’s the richest man in England, she mistakes him for a common (but well-to-do) criminal. Since she’d rather be dead than wed to her wretched bridegroom, Sophia pretends to be Isadore and take her chances with the provocative Mr. Birmingham. But how could she have known that her ruse would bring the gallant Mr. Birmingham into such peril from the wicked man she married? And how could she have known her enigmatic rescuer would ignite passions she never knew she possessed?

Product Details:

Bought on Kindle as a Freebie, at time of writing this review it is still available free.

Novella 73 pages in length.

* * * *

Summary:

What an absolutely delightful read.  I found it bright, sparking and fast paced with a lovely conclusion.  It's a shame it was a novella, as the substance would have been there with a few more added details to make a fabulous full length tale.

A 5 star read, and highly recommended if you love historical romances.

Hugs

Kay 

#290 (#8 of 2013) - Bah! Humbug ~ Heather Horrocks *NEW AUTHOR

Description:

Lexi Anderson is an up-and-coming, Martha Stewart-type TV hostess whose two ids love the Jared Strong adventure novels, which happen to be written by their new neighbour, Kyle Miller.

For the first time in his writing career, Kyle has writer's block ... until he sees the snowman on his law and realises it's the perfect solution to his plot problem.  He digs in and discovers two things:  one, his villain's weapon will fit inside the snowman's body, and two, this particular snowman was supposed to be the backdrop for Lexi's new show.

From this impossible beginning comes friendship, but can there be a happy ending for a woman who is afraid to get close again, and a man who has shadows from his childhood?

Families join together and hearts are healed as this couple goes walking in a Winter Wonderland.

Purchased/size etc:

Short - 96 pages

I purchased it on Amazon as a free Kindle offering.  At time of publishing this post is it showing as 75p.


* * * *

Summary:

A short read, and I can really think to say about it was I managed to get to the end.  It has been put in my "One Offs" collection though, and I am glad I didn't have to pay for it. 

Not sure I would seek out more by this author.

2 stars.

Kay

#263 (#62 of 2012) - Lord Fool to the Rescue (Novella) ~ LL Muir *NEW AUTHOR

Published on Kindle - 104 pages - Novella

I picked it up as a free offering and it deserved a 3 star rating.  Nothing negative to say about it really.  It was a nice little read and I would try others by this author.