Thursday, Mar 19, 2009

Book Review: Busy Woman Seeks Wife

Author:       Annie Sanders

Publisher:    5 Spot/Hachette

ISBN:          978-0-446-50544-4

Website:      http://www.anniesanders.co.uk/

 Type:         Fiction:Chick Lit

Pages:        303

Purchase:    $10.28 @ Amazon.com (HERE)

The Story

“To a casual observer, Londoner Alex Hill is every inch the calm and collected executive of a global sportswear company. In reality, she’s constantly frantic, with barely enough time to take out the trash. When her demanding mother, a 1960s style icon, has a bad fall and has to move in with her indefinitely, Alex realizes she needs someone more committed than a maid-what she needs is a wife. An ad in the local paper soon produces a young woman who seems both enthusiastic and capable. But something odd is definitely happening behind the scenes of Alex’s new, perfectly ordered existence. Someone distinctly male is charming her mother as well as doing all the ironing. He’s no one Alex would ordinarily ever notice, never mind date. But now she can’t help wondering if her new “wife” could perhaps have husband potential… ”

(Above excerpt is from the back cover of Busy Woman Seeks Wife)

The Review

The author of this book is actually two women: Annie Ashworth and Meg Sanders and both were pregnant when they wrote this book.  I find it curious how they were able to have babies and co-write a book.  Smart, driven, and dedicated would be my only way of describing them. 

I am addicted to Chick-Lit and find it to be my best escape from the pressing issues of my life.  Honestly, after reading more than the average amount of it over the past six months, I am finding that I’m experiencing a metamorphosis into a bit of a Chick-Lit snob.  Isn’t that terrible?  I’m getting pickier and pickier about my escape reading?   That’s just shameful!  I admit it.  Shameful.

I’m assuming that you know where this review is heading.  I wasn’t completely thrilled and enthralled by Busy Woman Seeks Wife.  It was a standard, escape read for me.  The characters were fun and I enjoyed them all.  But, and the predominate word here is definitely “but,” this read was entirely too predictable for me.  I could see the writing on the wall for Alex and Frankie.  I knew, early on, that Camilla was not to be trusted.  And, poor “Saff.”  Her character had only one place to go in this story and I’m afraid that I guessed that one, too. 

I needed more from this book than it offered me.  I think that “Annie Sanders” could have really expanded upon Frankie’s character as he discovers what life is like as a wife and spent much less time going into his frustrations about being a failed actor.  Likewise, “The Bean” was a character that I would have love to dug into, had they given me more depth into her mind as a woman once famous now facing a life without a husband and riches.  Alex was entirely too one-dimensional for me and I couldn’t connect with her as our heroine. 

All in all, this book fell flat for me and left me wanting more.  Perhaps a sequel with more depth would bring them the book that was this great idea amongst the two of them. 

My thanks to Hachette for the opportunity to review this book.

On Sher’s “Out of Ten Scale:”

As aforementioned, I couldn’t find what I needed in this read.  However, if you are the true Chick-Lit fan and a pure lightweight story is on your menu, order Busy Woman Seeks Wife.  For me, in the genre Fiction:Chick-Lit, I award this book a 5 out of 10.

Better luck next time, Annie Sanders.

9 Comments

Wednesday, Mar 18, 2009

CONTEST REMINDERS!

THURSDAY’S THOUGHTS: What Would You Study?

This week’s Thursday’s Thoughts Question of the Week asks:

If you could study a subject that you’ve never had the opportunity to learn, what would you choose?  This could be an academic class or the study of a specific skill or art.  Tell us your passion about it!

The prize for this week’s Thursday’s Thoughts winner wins a BookCharmer from www.BookCharming.com.

Don’t Forget About The THIS ONE IS MINE Book Giveaway!

A Novel Menagerie is giving away TWO copies of this really groovy, fast-paced book.  Click (HERE) and enter the contest for THIS ONE IS MINE.  This is a simple, leave-a-comment contest.

I look forward to your entries!

2 Comments

Wednesday, Mar 18, 2009

American Idol: Who’s Going Home?

3 Comments

Tuesday, Mar 17, 2009

Book Review: Laura Rider’s Masterpiece

Author:       Jane Hamilton

Publisher:    Grand Central Publishing/Hachette

ISBN:          978-0-446-53895-4

Website:      www.hachettebookgroup.com

 Type:         Fiction:Women’s

Pages:        224 Hardback

Purchase:    $15.63 @ Amazon.com (HERE)

The Story

“Laura and Charlie Rider have been married for twelve years.  They share their nursery business, the Prairie Wind Farm, in rural Wisconsin; they share their love for their animals; and their zeal for storytelling.  Although Charlie’s enthusiasm in the bedroom has worn Laura out, although she no longer sleeps with him, they are happy enough going along in their routine.

Jenna Faroli is the host of a popular radio show, and in Laura’s mind is “the single most famous person in the Town of Dover.”  When Jenna happens to cross Charlie’s path one day, and they begin an e-mail correspondence, Laura cannot resist using Charlie to try out her new writing skills.  Together, Laura and Charlie craft florid, strangely intimate messages that entice Jenna in an expected way.  The “project” quickly spins out of control.  The lines between Laura’s words and Charlie’s feelings are blurred and complicated, Jenna is transformed in her mind’s eye into an artist.  The transformations are hilarious and poignant, and for Laura Rider, beyond her wildest expectations.”

(Above excerpt is from Laura Rider’s Masterpiece – Cover)

The Review

This book came as a great surprise for me.  I certainly began reading this book and feeling one way about it, but then as I read on, my mind was changed.  Truthfully, the beginning of this read just held no interest for me.  I felt a need to press on and perform my review of it.   I think this is due, in part, to the fact that a friend had mentioned to me that Jane Hamilton had a more “well-known” book called The Book of Ruth  that was on Oprah’s book list and also won an award.  Well, if Jane Hamilton accomplished all of that, perhaps I did need to press on and open my mind.  Like I said, I am glad that I did.

This is a wonderfully descriptive book.  Hamilton’s writing ability is admirable and at times her wording is beautiful, especially at the end the of the book.  The story is so quirky and different that I had guessed several endings, none of which came true.  This book is unlike most other fiction books that I read and, for that, I appreciate this book for what it is and how it is written.  Beyond the storyline described above, I will not expel the details of the story because it is their unfurling that brings charm to the read.  However, I can and will state that Charlie is just the funniest little dude, ever, and it was hard for me to picture him.  Laura just comes across to the reader as totally insane and Jenna I just plainly feel sorry for.

I “dug” this funky read and am considering picking up The Book of Ruth to see if it is similar in nature to this book. 

This is a quote in the book that grabbed me:

“Maybe the whole point of love was to break each other so that from those shattered selves you could build a better, a sturdier self, so that you could go forward – not had in hand but  a comfortable arm’s length apart.  Ideally, if both parties were conscious in the romance, Every Man and Every Woman would enter the relationship with arms spread wide open, read for the adventure of being broken to pieces and reassembled.”

On Sher’s “Out of Ten Scale:”

This book has an interesting premise, points of questioning, and and unpredictable ending.   It’s not the typical woman’s fiction, nor is it the perfect “beach read.”  But, it is a story that makes you wonder “what if” and “what is she thinking?”  I suppose that makes it a good book club read.  For the genre Fiction:Women’s, I award this book an 8 out of 10.

P.S. If you’ve read The Book of Ruth, can you leave me a comment with your opinions on it below?

19 Comments

Monday, Mar 16, 2009

DWTS: Honey, Don’t Do the Dance… You’ll Hurt Yourself!

DWTS: THE RELENTLESS INJURIES

All we heard about tonight was injuries, injuries, injuries.  Too many boo-boo’s to mend and not enough patience on my part.  Tell me why Steve-O is doing a flip, granted without hands, that lands him on his back with a mike-pack in place?  Dumb.   

Here’s my nagging  and praising for this week’s couples:

I can’t stop staring at her plastic surgery.  It’s just too distracting.  What has happened to her super-groovy moves?  It’s like Susan Lucci and Priscilla Presley rolled into one.  Please, make it stop!

  How much did I love Chelsie’s pony tail and dress tonight?  TONS!  And, our lil’ cowboy is proving to buck-up and hang in there!  Good job, little bull rider!   Oh, and I read in People Magazine that Jewel had fractures in BOTH of her fibia.  Not good.

It’s really too bad that we merely got to view their dress rehearsal.  Lacey is just the coolest!  My bet is that they will be eliminated soon.  

So, Kathy Griffin did show up to support her friend Steve (very cool).  I can always appreciate a good Buddy Holly song, like Len.  But, what’s ruining this partnership are the stupid looks on Karina’s face.  No, Karina, you’re obviously not going to win.  Deal with it!  She’s actually ruining this partnership for me.

Clap.  Clap.  Clap.  Their partnership reminds me of when he danced with Sabrina (Cheetah Girls), who I believe is still his lady love.  They did a fine job.  I can’t wait to see her bust out of her shell a bit more and shake that caboose! 

That’s some salsa to add to my chips, baby!  Wooooo Whooo!  I really like both of these dancers.  Tony’s smile is made for a Bright Smile commercial and she is just so freakin’ sweet and cute.  Go! Go!  Like you!  Jason… you’re such a looooosa!

What color eye contacts will she wear next week?  Gag-a-roolie.  Cole hated her plaster-hair, as did I.  I just can’t stop yelling “convict” and “boooooo” at the t.v. whenever she is on.  I still can’t get over why she is allowed to be on this show and isn’t allowed to vote in a national election.   When will the torture end?

I liked the bottom half of Edyta’s dress, but am not sure what was going on up top, there.  Now, didn’t I say last week that he would be a “dark horse?”  Yes, yes I did.  See?  He’s moving right along… just like I planned… AAAHHH HA HA!

The ripping the shirt open at the end was total overkill for me.  We so didn’t need that to make the dance complete.  Us viewers, we’re smarter than you think.  We got the whole kryptonite/green thing.  Tossing the glasses would have been enough.  Still, I was tapping my feet and cheering them on.  However, all 9′s?  I would have given a round of 8′s.

 Dmitry is such great dancer and I loved him on So You Think You Can Dance.  I hate to see him voted off this season early, but it’s a sacrifice I’m willing to make to get cotton hair head out of the competition.   However, kudos to her make-up artist.  I really liked her eyeshadow this week.  Oh?  The dancing?  Totally forgetful!

Her face is like Barbie-Skeletor.  Gynormous eyes glaring out of fembot hell.  Let’s lock her, Holly and Lil’ Kim in a room together with no make up for a week and make a fortune on that reality series.   Hurry… vote her off!

Kym is one of my favorite dancers.  I love her little curly hair in the rehearsals.  I loved loved loved her dress this week.  They got totally robbed with the scores this week and I think they deserved better than what they were awarded.  Have no fear, they are going nowhere!  I still say that they are one to watch.

Cole went on and on and on about how much she hated Julianne’s outfit.  It didn’t bother me that much.  But, this couple just gives me the yawns.  And, I must add that I love Julianne.  Maybe there will be a shift in the next week’s performance.

For more commentary on this week’s DWTS, visit Apooo’s Site… she’s got tons of good conversation on everything!

7 Comments