Modern Fiction Books > S Modern Fiction Books

Advantages: Easy to read, entertaining, funny
Disadvantages: None for what it is....

When the title of this book caught my eye in the library, I had been having "one of those days", and so, feeling borderline demented myself, I really had to read it. Yes, as you have probably guessed, this is more unapologetic "chick lit". This is Niamh Greene's debut novel, and, unlike my first Ciao reviews, this is actually a really good start. Niamh is herself a mother of two, and you can't help but wonder how much of this book is autobiographical.... ...
...and her chaotic lifestyle. Susie feels intimidated by pretty much everyone - her domineering and frighteningly efficient mother-in-law (the archetypal Irish "mammy"), her singleton best friend with her glamorous career and lifestyle, the eco-friendly "right on" mother at her daughter's nursery gates and particularly by her husband's new, glamorous secretary with her pneumatic Barbie-esque figure. Her husband, in pursuit of a promotion at work, ... Read review

Advantages: descriptive and talented writing
Disadvantages: heartbreaking

...isn't the type to have something like this happen to her. And so begins an investigation. But this isn't a thriller, or a crime story. This book tells of Tess's struggle to hold onto all that is dear to her. Suddenly her mundane routine changes as police enter her family's lives. The rock solid relationship is shaken and starts to reach rocky ground as false testimony, clues and tantalising sightings butt into their every day lives. Who killed ...
...came as a surprise, perhaps something they had not planned for with 3 older children. There's a history with Alex, Lennie's husband, and Tess feels obliged to watch over him as best she can even though everyone is racked with grief. Tess also forms a close friendship with Lacey, the young police liaison officer brought onto the case. He seems to understand what she's going through while Mick, Tess's husband, starts to pull away as bereavement sets ... Read review

Advantages: Brilliant.
Disadvantages: -

...morning because I wanted to know what happened next! If you have read the rest of the Shopaholic series, then you will love this book! It is suitable for all ages but is extremely suitable for teenagers and women in their 20s as it relates so much to real life! ... Read review

Advantages: The ever ridiculous storyline
Disadvantages: There isn't yet a sequel...?!

Having read the rest of the series, I had high expectations for this book, and once again Sophie Kinsella managed to entertain me with the exploits of Becky Brandon (née Bloomfield) and this time, her hormonal paranoia over her gynacologist added to her already ridiculous shopping habits. A sad moment comes when things don't seem all fine and dandy between Becky and Brandon, yet all that she involves herself in to fully understand her husband's life ...
...upset does not last for too long when you can barely put the book down. I never cease to wonder where Sophie Kinsella thinks of what Becky is going to do next, but really I can't fault her. The stories may not be realistic but who cares?! Much like our favourtie soaps we are drawn in so I urge anyone who thinks that they have a spending addiction to read this - you will surely feel better about yourself! ... Read review

Advantages: exotic and absorbing
Disadvantages: none

...with a taste for romance. Sister of my Heart is set in Calcutta where two little girls are growing up in a household inhabited entirely by women. Sudha and Anju are cousins, and in the tradition of fairy tales, one is beautiful, the other clever. Sudha and Anju adore each other, but their different places in the family hierarchy mean that the family has quite different destinies planned for them. The girls set out to challenge their respective fates, ... Read review