Review: Sleeping Arrangements by Madeleine Wickham

Title: Sleeping Arrangements

Author: Madeleine Wickham
Publication Year: 2001
Genre: Chick lit
Links: Goodreads | Amazon (Paperback) | Amazon (Kindle)

Chloe needs a holiday. She's sick of making wedding dresses, her partner, Philip, has troubles at work, and the whole family wants a break. Her wealthy friend Gerard has offered the loan of his luxury villa in Spain. Perfect.

Hugh is not a happy man. His immaculate wife, Amanda, seems more interested in her new kitchen than him, and he works so hard to pay for it, he barely has time for his children. Maybe he'll have the chance to bond with them on holiday. His old friend Gerard has lent them a luxury villa in Spain. Perfect.

When both families arrive at the villa, they realize the awful truth: Gerard has double-booked them for the same week. What no one else realizes is that Chloe and Hugh have a history, and it seems Gerard's accidental double-booking may not have been accidental after all.

My two cents: Okay, in short I wasn't really impressed with the book. It's okay but I don't love it. It's definitely not one of those books which stay with me long after I'm done reading.

I think I'm going to make this one short and straight to the points. To be honest, I picked this one up as the synopsis mentioned it took place in Spain and I'm intrigued with anything Spain/Spanish-related. However, there's not enough touch of Spain. Of course, there were a few Spanish words and sceneries thrown in...but that's about it. But, where they were thrown in, each scenery is well explained and I could almost picture it in my head. I guess that is why I was left wanting more. And of course, the book is about two families sharing a villa. I guess I shouldn't expect it to turn out like a Lonely Planet guide on Spain.

The book might have one major plot but it splits into many sub-plots. There's the story of Sam and the nanny, Jenna. Also of Philip and his job, of Hugh and his families etc. The characters are likable and funny especially the kids. And I love Philip to bits. I however really dislike Chloe and Hugh, Hugh especially. At times, both seem so selfish and think of no one but themselves. But Chloe at least, has lil' more sense than Hugh does. I particularly hate they way they handled one particular situation. Now, I find it a bit odd that Philip and Chloe are not married. I mean, they have been together for 13 years or so. But, whether you're married or not, once you've committed yourself to your partner, I'm all about being faithful. Also, I can't help feeling like there's too many coincidences. And it somehow feels so unrealistic at times. The ending too seems a bit rushed. I'd like it if it's more detailed.

All in all, the book is okay. It's not something I'd be shouting at the top of my voice to get people to read. However, if you're looking for a book to read on your long holiday and have nothing better to do, then by all means pick it up.

My verdict: 3/5

Review: Wish Upon a Star by Martina Reilly

Title: Wish Upon a Star

Author: Martina Reilly

Publication Year: 2006

Genre: Chick lit

It's hard for Lucy, being the sister of supermodel Tracy Gleeson. It's hard because Tracy is gorgeous and Lucy feels distinctly average; Tracy is famous and Lucy works as a receptionist in a vet's clinic; Tracy has just landed a part in a major Hollywood movie and all Lucy has ever wanted to do is act. Worse than that, Lucy's daughter wants to get to know her father - only Lucy never told him she was pregnant. So, against the advice of her best friends and her doom-laden mother, Lucy begins the search to trace the boy she has tried so hard to forget...

My two cents: This is the first book from Martina Reilly that I read. At first, I was a bit hesitant to read this. I rarely read chick lit and I didn't know what to expect from the author. I just bought the book because it was on a good bargain. Anyway, I decided to give it a try and I'm delighted that I did.

It's a really fun read and a quick one too. I finished this in 5 days. It's funny, witty, sad and eye-opening all in one. Credit has to be given to the author for combining all these without losing the pace and manage to keep things interesting.

The book follows the main character, Lucy as she deals with her day-to-day life and regrets of the past. The story of the past is told in the format of Lucy's diary and the present is told from Lucy's POV. To be honest, I don't really know how to describe Lucy. She's sometimes funny and witty and sometimes passionate and emotional. For most part of the story, I felt sorry for her and kept hoping that she would have a happy ending. But, she did become a bit of a bitch towards the end. Maybe it was necessary since it was this occasion that finally opened her eyes. Before, she never really knew what she wanted, except that she wanted to be an actress. However, a little taste of popularity changed that. She finally realized that everything she ever wanted and wished for, she already had.

I found the portrayal of the characters to be really believable. The vet Lucy works for portrays everything wrong with stereotyping. There is no rich vet with fabulous sense of fashion in this book. Lucy's best friends, both Gray and Maddie, are very likable. Lucy's parents are hilarious, especially her mum with her remarks. Lucy's daughter, Fainne is very clever and has some of the best lines. The story might be about Lucy's search for the father of her daughter. But, there are so much more than that. It is also about sibling rivalry between Lucy and Tracy. And also the self-discovery and self-realization by Lucy following the search.

One thing I don't really like is that there are too much usage of the 'f' word. I can't help but feel that the book can do without so much of it. But halfway through, it seemed to tone down a bit.

I'm hoping that this won't be the first and the last time I read something from Martina Reilly. I'm already eyeing 'Something Borrowed' and 'Wedded Blitz' from her. I'm really glad that I discovered this book.

My verdict: 4/5

Teaser Tuesdays (Feb. 1)

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along. Just do the following:

• Grab your current read.
• Open to a random page.
• Share (2) "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page.
• Be careful not to include spoilers! (make sure that what you share doesn't give too much away! You don't want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

This week, I'm reading 'Wish Upon a Star' by Martina Reilly, an Irish author.

It's hard for Lucy, being the sister of supermodel Tracy, especially now that Tracy has landed a part in a major Hollywood movie and all Lucy ever wanted to do is act. Worse than that, Lucy's daughter wants to get to know her father - only Lucy never told him that she was pregnant. So, against the advice of her best friends and her doom-laden mother, Lucy begins the search to trace the boy she has tried so hard to forget...

My teaser: But my dreams were shattered. And I had to blame someone and that someone was him because he'd given me hope in the first place. (pg 70)

Review: Pictures of Lily by Paige Toon

Title: Pictures of Lily
Author: Paige Toon
Publication Year: 2010
Genre: Chick lit

Ten years ago when Lily was just sixteen, she fell in love with someone she really shouldn't have fallen in love with. Now, living in Sydney and engaged to another man, she can't forget the one that got away. Then her past comes back to haunt her, and she has to make a decision that will break her heart - and the heart of at least one of the men who love her.

My two cents: Chick lit is not really my cup of tea. If I be honest, this is the first time I ever finished a chick lit novel. People say not to judge a book by its cover but I picked up this book initially because I was attracted to its cover. It is just so beautiful I couldn't bring myself to put it down. I was delighted when I read the synopsis. I've always liked stories where the main characters are not supposed to love someone but they do anyway.

I've never read any of Paige Toon's previous writings, so I don't really know about her usual style. But this book is divided into two parts. For the first half of the book, it is about 16-year-old Lily who just arrived from London, England in Adelaide, Australia with her mom. There, staying with the man her mum met on the Internet, Michael and his son, Josh, she ended up accompanying Michael to the conservation park where he worked. It was at this conservation she first met Ben, who was 12 years older. As soon as Ben was introduced, I knew that he was the one Lily referred to in the prologue. Right after Ben left, the story moves to 10 years later where 26-year-old Lily was now living in Sydney and had a boyfriend of two years, Richard. Soon after Richard proposed to marry her, she was reunited with Ben who was now working in Sydney Zoo.

Lily's emotions are well described and though I never fell for an older guy when I was 16, I could totally feel the pain Lily had to go through and it was easy to understand why she was still hooked on Ben. If I have to be honest, I cannot help but feel that the second half of the book is quite rushed. I didn't get enough time to form my opinion on Richard before Ben was brought back into the picture. Surprisingly, I find Richard to be likable. But, I can't connect with him as much as I do with Ben. But then again, maybe this is purposely done.

The story follows not only the main character's life in two different cities but it also provides the readers with vivid description of the settings. The beauty of Adelaide is well described and I couldn't help but wish to be on the ferry Lily took everyday to commute in Sydney.

All in all, a pretty good read. An easy one too. It isn't hard to get into the story just as soon as the novel starts. I'm glad my first chick lit read was a pleasant one. The story is just as beautiful as the cover.

My verdict: 3.5/5