'Aprons and Silver Spoons' by Mollie Moran

After painfully chugging through the first two books of the 'Game of Thrones' series, it was heartwarmingly refreshing to read this memoir of a 1930s scullery maid. A massive fan of the 'Downton Abby' television series, I felt as if I had been transported into one of their episodes and then some! Yet unlike the harsh 'downstairs' life that 'Downton Abby' portrays, the one that the author describes here is more carefree.

Mollie was born in Norfolk during the middle of WWI, where her father was badly injured in a mustard gas attack. At 14 years of age, Mollie Moran's struggling family found her a post as an apprentice dressmaker, but she hated the idea. Instead, a family friend suggested that she take a job as a scullery maid in London, and she jumped at the idea. In 1930, the chance to travel to the exciting big city was just too good to pass up. Mollie lived and worked in one of the most expensive and fashionable parts of London, Cadogan Square.

Mollie would be up from 6am for a back breaking 15 hour day of work, with only two hours off in the afternoon. Scrubbing floors, peeling vegetables, laying tables, emptying the chambers pots! - the list was endless! But the compensations to Mollie's new life involved fancies such as dances, flirting with the delivery boys, and sharing a room with her new best friend for life Florence.

Discover what it was really like to live downstairs as a domestic servant in this beautiful book that relays one girls rise from scullery maid to 'big house' kitchen cook.

'The Million Dollar Mermaid,' by Esther Williams

How strange that I was right in the middle of the most wonderful MGM biography of the amazing Esther Williams when she passed away at aged 91.

This book had EVERYTHING that I love and more - it put gossip columns and glossy magazines to shame.

Esther Williams was a young swimming champion, who missed out on her Olympic Dream when World War II broke out. She reluctantly answered the call of MGM studios, who designed 'aqua-musicals' specifically for her, creating one of the biggest box office stars of the 1940s and 50s.


The book 'The Million Dollar Mermaid' is written by the star herself, and offers a 'tell-it-like-it-was' glimpse of Hollywood in its' heyday. By the time she retired at 37, because her third husband insisted she be out of the spotlight, she had made around $88million for MGM - and would have been a multimillionaire herself had her second husband not squandered it all away without her knowledge.

Esthers' personal life was one that often unravelled behind the facade of perfection that Hollywood painted, and this autobiography offers a rare glimpse at the life of a real movie star from the inside out.

Esther Williams Movies:

Andy Hardy's Double Life (1942) 

A Guy Named Joe (1943)

Bathing Beauty (1944)

Thrill of Romance (1945)

Ziegfeld Follies (1945)

The Hoodlum Saint (1946)

Easy to Wed (1946)

Til the Clouds Roll By (1946)

Fiesta (1947)

This Time for Keeps (1947)

On An Island With You (1948)

Take Me Out To The Ball Game (1949)

Neptune's Daughter (1949)

Duchess of Idaho (1950)

Pagan Love Song (1950)

Texas Carnival (1951)

Callaway Went Thataway (1951)

Skirts Ahoy! (1952)

Million Dollar Mermaid (1952)

Dangerous When Wet (1953)

Easy To Love (1953)

Jupiter's Darling (1955)

The Unguarded Moment (1956)

Raw Wind In Eden (1958)

'Tomorrow When the War Began' (Series) by John Marsden

AMAZING series that I cannot believe I haven't read until now - and set in Australia too, so even better!

SUMMARY: the Tomorrow series is a 7 book series about a high-intensity invasion and occupation of Australia by an unnamed foreign power. We are taken through the journey by narrator Ellie Linton, teenage schoolgirl, who along with a group of friends are camping in the bush when the invasion begins.

Ellie and her six friends go camping for a week in the bush, and whilst camping see many planes flying overhead. When they return home from their trip they find people missing, pets and livestock dead, and realise that their town has been invaded. They avoid capture and return to their bush hideout that they name 'Hell.' From here they base themselves to plot and wage guerrilla war on the invaders.

The books: see picture below

FOLLOW-UP SERIES: the three part series deals with Ellie Lintons life after the war, and is called 'The Ellie Chronicles.'

THE AUTHOR:Visit John Marsden's webpage

MOVIE: A movie was created of the first part of the series in 2010. It was well received in Australia, being the highest grossing Aussie film for 2010. It didn't reach the same heights overseas, and no further movies are scheduled. Still worth a look!

'Sarah Starts Over,' Emma Gleich from Guest blogger Meg W!

Sarah Starts Over is the brand new first novel from up an up and coming young author of chick lit. It is a fun yet often touchingly poignant story of one girl’s struggles to find herself in the modern world and the characters and adventures she encounters along the way. Perfectly capturing the Melbourne suburbs in which it is predominantly set, this story follows Sarah as she deals with those age old issues of love, career, friendships and finding out who she really is. 

Surrounded by a strong ensemble cast that includes the faithful best friend, exacerbating yet lovable housemate and a series of horrible ex-boyfriends, Sarah Starts Over is an engaging and well-written novel. A real page turner that strikes just the right balance between light-hearted and serious, it’s impossible not to warm to and empathise with the lead character of the story as she faces the ups and downs of life in the city.    For anyone who loves chick lit and has ever struggled with love, career or friendship dramas (who hasn’t?!), this is a must read. The perfect companion to a long hot summer…

CLICK HERE TO BUY or BORROW ON AMAZON!

' A Guide to the Birds of East Africa' by Nicholas Drayson

The story... Mr Malik is an honourable and reserved widower - middle aged with a combover that isn't fooling anyone. Nobody knows that for three years he has been in love with Rose, the leader of the East African Ornithological Society Tuesday morning bird walk.

Mr Malik is working up the courage to invite the object of his affections to the annual Nairobi Hunt Ball. The untimely arrival of the wealthy Harry Kahn sees a competition ensuing to see who can identify the most species of birds within a week - for the privilege of asking Rose to the ball.


With disposable wealth on his side, Harry Khan has no trouble hiring boats, light aircraft and guides to take him to Kenya's choicest bird watching spots. And yet Mr Malik isn't so easily defeated - despite having his car and wallet stolen - he had a few unorthodox methods of his own!

My verdict... I absolutely tore through this book in one day. I loved it! So light and amusing, with spectacular knowledge on birds. It made me want to visit Nairobi one day - especially to see Kakamega Forest!! Parts of the story reminded me of the Owen Wilson/ Jack Black movie 'The Big Year.'

HOLLYWOOD BLONDES - Golden Girls of the Silver Screen

After going to see the Grace Kelly exhibition in Bendigo, I was inspired to find out more about Hollywood's silver screen era.


Hollywood Blondes: Golden Girls of the Silver Screen explores the lives and careers of Tinseltown's most memorable blonde bombshells. It was a heartfelt eye opener into the lives of these stars which are now immortalised in the silver screen. Many of them led tragic lives, which had they been movie stars today, would have turned out totally different.


Twenty-two classic actresses are profiled including
* Marilyn Monroe
* Jean Harlow
* Carole Landis
* Betty Grable
* Marie McDonald,
* Thelma Todd
* Lana Turner
* Jayne Mansfield
* Barbara Payton
* Veronica Lake
* Grace Kelly
* Alice Faye
* Mae West
* Carole Lombard




There are more than one hundred rare photographs featured throughout the book, lending it a real-life feel, as opposed to just posed photographs. One of the things I loved most about this book was the snippets of each actresses life - given in 5-10 pages. There were no boring bits!

Overall, an amazing insight into the lives and careers of some of women's pioneers in screen acting!

'The Second Wife,' by Elizabeth

Sequel to 'Revenge of the Middle-Aged Woman.'

ABOUT THE BOOK: Minty used to be the irresistable mistress. She even managed to achieve the elusive title of second wife! Having finally found the comfort and stability that she once craved, Minty finds that the grass isn't greener on her new side of the fence. Her family life has brought her more disappointment than she cares to admit, and she is constantly fighting the ghost of the 'first wife,' her ex-best friend Rosemary.

Despite Minty's best efforts at avoiding Rosemary, her husband Nathan isn't doing the same. When Minty finds out that Nathan has a friendship with Rosemary behind her back, things take a turn for the worse.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Elizabeth spent her childhood moving home every three years - including living for brief periods in Egypt and Nigeria before moving to Guildford, York and Edinburgh. Elizabeth Buchan obtained a double degree in English and History at the University of Kent at Canterbury. She began her career as a blurb writer for Penguin Books

OTHER NOVELS BY AUTHOR:

 Daughters of the Storm Light of the Moon Consider the Lily

Perfect Love

Against Her Nature

Secrets of the Heart

The Good Wife

That Certain Age

Separate Beds

Daughters

On the road frequently? Audiobooks are a great way to pass the time! View the clip below for a sneak preview of the audiobook 'Separate Beds.'

RECOMMENDATION:Admittedly, I didn't read the prequel 'Revenge of the Middle-aged Woman,' which I think was the storyline I was expecting when I first picked up the book. Being an empathetic person, I took the storyline a little to heart and found it depressing. It didn't follow the path I thought it would take at all, which, being a chick-lit lover, was a little disappointing. However, if you don't like the stereotypical story and don't mind a bit of a twist to your chick-lit, then this would be a great book for you!

'Valley of the Dolls,' Jacqueline Susann

In a nutshell, 'Valley of the Dolls' is a cult classic that follows the lives and intertwining friendships of three women living in old Hollywood from 1945-1965.

• Anne, the pretty New England lady, who works as a secretary for a theatrical lawyer and becomes the famous face for a cosmetic line - and whose love life has many letdowns.

• Jennifer is the busty showgirl, who starts her career in films, albeit nudie films!

• vaudeville star Neely O'Hara becomes a famous singing sensation, only to fall into a downward spiral of drinking and drugs. She thinks nothing of popping 6 'dolls' a day - in other words, pills. And Neely certainly isn't the only character who falls under the spell of the 'dolls....'

Abortion, cancer, drug addiction, lesbian affairs, suicide and cosmetic surgery - the book is riddled with scandal and gossip. Over the course of twenty years, the story tells of the three women reaching their height of fame, and of their ultimate self destruction.

A MUST READ for any lovers of Hollywood's Broadway and silver screen era, for those who love a trashy gossip read - yet one that is poignant and all too real at times. 

A year after the novel was released, an American film based on the book was released... see below:

'Game Over' by Adele Parks

My favourite chick lit author!


The book - heroine Cas has shut her heart to the idea of love, ever since her father walked out on her and her mother when Cas was young. Instead, Cas enjoys a string of meaningless flings, and as soon as it looks like a guy is getting serious, he's out on the curb. The iron-hearted tv producer is quite content to manipulate the love lives of others, especially if it means making a hit of her new TV show - Sex With An Ex.
Problems arise when Cas falls for one of the potential show candidates, and he is unwilling to co-operate with her - a problem that Cas is unfamiliar with when it comes to men!

THE VERDICT? - Not my favourite Adele Parks novel, but that said, definitely still a fun read with a bit of depth. I know the show Cas produced was called Sex With An Ex, but at times I felt her descriptive writing was crass and a tad too erotica/Mills&Boon. Not the type of writing I have previously come to associate with Parks. Overlooking that however, I found an easy and entertaining read, if somewhat predictable.


Hear Adele Parks talk about her book Game Over and where she got her inspiration for the novel:

Booky Wook 2 - Russell Brand

'So it was that I entered the hallowed portals of A-list celebrity stardom. And yes, at first it was a delight to find myself surrounded by every little soap star minx who was happy to push her inflatable bosoms into my face in exchange for a kiss and tell in the tabloids. But then it became a chore, finding my life reduced to a cartoon narrative by a mindless media. Especially after I had gone to such lengths to backcomb my hair, pour myself into tight leather trousers and smear on my mascara before I went out each day!' - R Brand, Booky Wook 2.

So I have blogged already about 'My Booky Wook' - and acknowledge that by no means is it chick lit! And yet I was so compelled by the first book that I simply had to read its' follow-up novel. I was NOT disappointed!

While 'My Booky Wook' followed Brand's spiral downward courtesy of drugs, alcohol and sex addiction - and his journey to recovery - 'Booky Wook 2' follows his rise to fame. Already having some level of fame due to his stand up comedy, hosting a 'Big Brother' show, and various other gigs, this book tells of the escalation of Russell Brand's star.


You wouldn't think someone whose system used to be riddled with drugs and alcohol could have such a way with words - but Brand does. The way that Brand goes into detail about events such as his time filming 'Arthur' with Helen Mirren makes you realise his humanity, and you really feel as if you know him.

I found it sad how the book is dedicated to Brands' now ex-wife Katy Perry with the words 'you are my future.' The final chapter tells the gorgeous story of how they first really met and connected, and leaves the book on a sunny, romantic note. If only I didn't know, whilst reading it, that they are now getting a divorce.

'Chasing Harry Winston,' Lauren Weisberger

PLOT: Leigh, Emmy and Adriana have been friends since high school. As they approach the thirty year old milestone, they are looking toward the future, not too sure they like what they see! They each find themselves alone on Valentines Day and make a pact that within a year they will each change something. Emmy's boyfriend of 5 years has left her for a young personal trainer - she makes a pact to have more flings and boost her 'magic number.' Commitment-phobe Adriana promises that within a year she will have an engagement ring on her finger. Emmy seems to have it all, so isn't too sure what to change - until she starts working with a sexy, brooding author....


REVIEW: This book seems to have received quite mixed reviews - I even read one that called it a 'piece of trash.' Please people, I don't know what you expect from Chick Lit - it's supposed to be light and just a bit of fun. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and would definitely recommend it to anyone who likes Weisberger's other books. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Lauren Weisberger is the author of The Devil Wears Prada, which spent more than a year on the New York Times hardcover and paperback bestseller lists. The film version, starring Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway, won a Golden Globe Award and grossed over $300 million worldwide. Her second novel, Everyone Worth Knowing, was also a New York Times bestseller. She lives in New York City with her husband.

'I Don't Know How She Does It,' by Allison Pearson

THE STORY: Thirty-Five year old Kate is famished - famished for time. As the main bread-winner of her family, her life is a constant juggling act. She rushes between work appointments whilst running over-and-over the busy tape in her head - bouncy castle, dentist appointment, nappies, client appointment, story before bedtime, angel wings, transatlantic flight. The list never seems to end! From the outside, Kate seems to have it all - but she has no time to enjoy what she has accomplished with her life.
Factor in Kate's controlling nanny, her two demanding children, a husband that she passes like a ship in the night, an email lover, a sexist boss, and a workplace that sees hers as a man's job. Just how long will Kate be able to keep up this juggling act, and at what cost?

 I can't think of a woman who wouldn't want this book.' INDIA KNIGHT, GUARDIAN

HIGHLIGHTS: It's no surprise that this is an international bestseller - it is so witty and funny, yet poignant at the same time. This book was an excellent portrayal of a working mother - I loved when Kate bought mince tarts from the supermarket, and broke them up a little to make them look homemade for her daughters' school.
The author uses email exchange, and diary-like entries for Kate, which take the reader right inside Kate's head. A real look inside the roller-coaster life of this highly engaging character.

This book would be absolutely perfect for a book club - so many discussion points and questions!


"What Bridget Jones did for single women, Kate Reddy does for working mothers . . . This book is for every woman who's ever chaired a meeting one minute and duck out for an illicit reunion with her children the next . . ." HARPER'S BAZAAR

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Allison Pearson (aka Judith Allison Lobbett!) is a Welsh newspaper columnist and author. This is her first novel, and was published in 2002. She has since written 'I Think I Love You.' (2010)

An interesting bit of controversy surrounding Pearson - in one of her newspaper columns she labelled Princess Beatrice as a "pampered Miss Piggy" who was "pear-shaped" after photos of her appeared in a bikini. Well who's had the last laugh? Bea is looking svelte and trim these days!

THIS NOVEL IS NOW A MOVIE!!
Starring - Sarah Jessica Parker, Greg Kinnear, Pierce Brosnan, Olivia Munn, Christina Hendricks, Kelsey Grammer, Seth Myers.

Watch the trailer below:

A Hollywood Affair - by Lucy Broadbent

PLOT: Life really isn't like the movies for Pearl Sash - despite the fact that she certainly seems to live the lifestyle. Rockstar father, movie star ex husband (who is also father to her five-year-old) and screenwriter husband to boot! You'd be forgiven for thinking that Pearl has it all! But when her ex husband Brett arrives on the scene, trouble immediately ensues. Pearl never really loved another man the way she loved Brett - not even her husband Adam. And now Brett wants her back, and is prepared to do anything it takes to get her!!!


REVIEW: This was my second 'Little Black Dress' Book, and I can see that they have very strict criteria for the stories/books they publish -which is awesome, because I love them! The novel wasn't predictable like I thought it was going to be - and if memory serves me correctly, neither was the first LBD book I read. 
I found that the relationship between Pearl and her father was depicted beautifully and realistically. That with her husband Adam was a little shallow, but that could be for the authors own reasons. I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a new type of chick-lit to read, and hasn't yet tried the LBD books - as they follow a loose 'formula,' without being 'Mills & Boon' predictable, if you like one, chances are you will like most of them!


AUTHOR:Lucy Broadbent is a British journalist living in West Hollywood, California. She has worked as a columnist for the Independent, Marie Claire, She and Hello magazine, writing about her life in LA. She also regularly contributes to other publications, such as the Times, Glamour, Eve and others. She has two novels published by Little Black Dress Books - obviously 'A Hollywood Affair,' and also 'What's Love Got to do With It?'

LITTLE BLACK DRESS BOOKS: contemporary romantic fiction that you can't live without! 


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'LA Candy,' Lauren Conrad

I picked this book up in the Barwon Heads bookstore for $4, thinking why not - since I am a 'closet' fan of all things 'The Hills.' It was actually a lot better than I thought it would be! NOTE: If you are a fan of 'The Hills' then the storyline will sound very familiar! (Lauren Conrad said about the book, "I wanted this book to be like my life, being signed on to The Hills" - which it pretty much is!)


PLOT: Jane is a 19year old, who moves to Los Angeles with her best friend Scarlett, and works for an event management team. The girls are scouted at a nightclub, and asked to be stars in a new reality show, 'LA Candy.' Thinking it will be a bit of fun, they sign on - not realising that life as they know it is about to be turned upside down! Apart from camera's following them around, once the show airs there are photographers popping up everywhere. Scarlett and Jane's friendship begins to show cracks, especially when Jane wants to be friends with the other two stars of the show and Scarlett doesn't.
With jealously among the girls, and paparazzi becoming more frequent, it's only a matter of time before one of the girls gets caught in a compromising position.


REVIEW: Although I felt like I was watching an episode of 'The Hills,' I thought Lauren Conrad really did give a great glimpse into what her life must have been like when she was taking part in reality shows. There are two more books in the series, which 'LA Candy' left me wanting to read!


It was an honest and entertaining read, written by someone who has experienced this crazy world first hand. 


ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Lauren Conrad first came onto the scene as a teenager in reality show 'Laguna Beach,' and went on to star in 'The Hills.' In 2008 she began her career as a fashion designer, and has already launched a second line. She currently lives in Los Angeles.
Below: interview with author about the book series.

'Ready or Not?' Chris Manby

Some quality quotes:

'To his own credit, Ed had always managed to put his own jock strap in the machine.'


'There is only so much you can say about the fuzzy black and white picture of TV interference that is a prenatal scan.'


' Another snore like a hippopotamus farting through mud erupted from the spare bedroom.'


PLOT: Heidi Savage is only a few months shy of walking down the aisle, and she is questioning if that is what she really wants - especially after her fiance's rugby mates shave his head and eyebrows off. When her ex-boyfriend shows up out-of-the-blue, old feelings are stirred up, leaving Heidi questioning whether she should really be with her beer-swilling, lads lad of a fiance.

In the meantime there is Heidi's best friend Kara, single mother of a sixth month old baby. Kara has only just started back on the dating scene, and is constantly calling upon Heidi and Ed for babysitting duty. Her emotions in turmoil, Heidi wonders if she would ever want a child with Ed, or if she should perhaps be with her ex Steven, who has a child to an ex-wife.


REVIEW: Guest blogger Meg put me onto this book - which she picked up for 50c at a library book sale! 50c insanely well spent I say! I loved this novel because it literally made me laugh out loud in so many parts. Usually I just have a quiet chuckle to myself - but not with this corker! I kind of thought the story would go in a different direction than it did - but I guess that's a good thing that it didn't, because it wasn't stereotypical.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Chris Manby grew up in Gloucester, England. Her writing career started when she was just fourteen, having a story published in 'Just Seventeen.' In 1995 Manby went to see a psychic, who informed her that she would write seven novels! Manby has already had at least thirteen published!

CLICK for author's official webpage

Manby has written under the pen name 'Olivia Darling,' and has also changed her name to 'Chrissy Manby,' as so many people thought her books were written by a man.