Anne Bailey

Advantages: Light and entertaining
Disadvantages: A little unreal

...Have you ever read any of the Catherine Cookson 'Bill Bailey' novels? If you do come accoss any of these books read them. Although the books are captivating, entertaining and witty I must admit they are very unbelievable because Bill Bailey is every woman's dream man. He is handsome, strong, protective, gentlemanly etc. He is too good to be true. Do any of us know a man that perfect? There were parts in these novels when I did find myself getting emotional and I would also say the books are hard to put down. Before reading these series of books I would have considered Catherine Cookson's books to be a bit like Mills and Boon but I have to admit this was an enjoyable series. If you want some light bedtime reading - you know what book to buy.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Deeper understanding of Marius
Disadvantages: Armand retold

...I was thrilled to learn that Anne had written another chronicle. And then, disappointed. I had read Armand a year before, and it was the same story, almost to the word. It was actually sad. Had Anne lost her vision? Her drive? It was only in reading Merrick and Blackwood Farm was my faith in Anne renewed. If you have NOT read Armand, go ahead and read Blood and Gold. If you HAVE read Armand, skip this one, unless you are into rereading the same thing over again. Marius is a tragic figure, and has been since the first books. But the true tragedy is that his story has been told TOO MANY TIMES. I'm sorry, Anne, but I cannot really and honestly recommend this book to the faithful. I myself am a faithful adherant to your stories, but this, really, I hate to say it, was a waste of your time.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Unbiased, lively and interesting account.
Disadvantages: There are various editions, each giving a different reflection of Anne as a person.

...The Diary of Anne Frank has reached universal acclaim. Written by a thirteen year old Jewish girl while she and her family hid in a secret annexe in Amsterdam, to avoid being captured by the Gestapo, the diary provides an interesting, lively and straight forward account of life for the young girl during the first few years of World War Two. However, as there are varous different editions of the diary it is not only the content of the diary which is questionable, but also the authenticity of the account. This surely allows Holocaust Revisionists to strengthen their argment, namely that the Holocuast did not take place? I believe that, for those truly interested in The Dairy of Anne Frank, the Critical Edition of the diary provides most interest. This incorporates all three editions and allows the reader to compare the alterations... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful