This novel opens dramatically; we learn that Jamie (the main narrator) is holding the ashes of his older brother, Rob.  The novel then unfolds what has happened to him through the eyes of three narrators: Jamie, Rob and a girl called Caro.  Rob has returned from fighting in Afghanistan and is suffering from Post-traumatic stress disorder.  Caro is interested in politics and has a reputation for being wild and out of control.

I really liked the style of this book, although it is very different to previous novels by Celia Rees which I tend to associate with historical fiction.  This was more adult, gritty and deals with many issues, such as drugs, violence and sex.  The characters are not always likable.  Jamie is very influenced by his feelings for Caro and Rob, due to his traumatic times as a soldier, is on a downward spiral. 

I think this would only be suitable for ages 13+ due to the more adult nature of the book but would highly recommend it to both teenagers and adults.

Personal Read 8/10

Reading Group Read 7/10

If you like this try...

Anything by Sophie McKenzie

'The Good Father' is a powerful potrayal of parenthood and explores the issue of who can be a good parent. It also explores difficult issues such as loss - of both parents and children. It is often an emotional and at times, difficult read but it is dealt with sensitively. There are many different characters but all are linked in some way and well-developed. This was a strength of the book, I cared about the characters and what happened to them. In particular I liked Robin, a woman who due to ill health and her young age gives up her baby for adoption and Bella, a very realistic and delightful 6 year old.

This was a page-turner, I finished it in one day and I now very much look forward to reading her past books and will out for future releases. This will appeal to anyone who enjoys Jodi Picoult books, although I did find this book more believable and the characters were more realistic. However, my only criticism is the final few chapters where I found it less plausible. I do think this would be a great read for a book group. The edition I read also had a reading guide and an interview with the author which would spark any discussion.

Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys a thought-provoking and character driven book.  Many thanks to the publishers and Netgalley for this read.

Personal Read: 8/10

Reading Group Read: 8/10

If you like this try:

Anything by Jodi Picoult

A Life Without Limits - Chrissie Wellington

 

The title of this book sums it up nicely.  This is an inspirational read by the British athlete, Chrissie Wellington.
She is a World Champion in the Ironman competition and has broken many world records.  I knew little about this competition before reading this book (not being very sporty myself) but it is an endurance test of a 2.4 mile swim (often in difficult open waters), a 112 mile bike ride and then a marathon.
Even more amazingly, she didn't set out to be a professional athlete but found she had a natural talent for it close to the age of thirty.
This is a frank account and you can not help but admire her.  Although this focuses on her sporting achievements, she is also inspirational as she overcame an eating disorder and has had various experiences through her travel adventures and her developmental work abroad.
She has a positive philosophy about life and shows courage in adversity; thoughts that we could all apply in life.

Personal Read - 10/10

Reading Group Read - 6/10

If you like this try...
My Story So Far - Paula Radcliffe
The Autobiography - Colin Jackson
Black, White and Gold - Kelly Holmes

Review - The Peach Keeper by Sarah Addison Allen

This is set in North Carolina and has all the elements you expect in a novel by Sarah Addison Allen; friendship, romance, family and some magic / mystery thrown in.
It focuses on two main female characters.  Willa who wishes to escape her past and start over and Paxton, a less likable character who finds it difficult to open up.  Both characters are well developed and it is their growing friendship that I remembered most after finishing this book.
This is a charming book and an easy read.  However, I did find this quite predictable at times and prefered some of her other books, in particular 'Garden Spells.'  Great for a sweet summer read but not 'meaty' enough for a group read.

Overall Rating

Personal Read - 8/10

Book Group Read - 4/10 

If you like this try books by...
Alice Hoffman
Christina Jones
Joanne Harris (my favourite is Blackberry Wine)
Ali Shaw