This book is exactly why I keep coming back to read Sophie Kinsella's books. It is spot-on in terms of living in a big city. While I have never lived in London, I have lived in NYC, Seattle and Portland, OR and this so describes living in a big city on a horribly small salary exactly. Katie/Cat seemed like a true character to me, someone I could be friends with, grab a drink with. I know nothing about 'branding', but I loved reading about her trials at work and then her own re-branding while living on her parents farm. Go Katie! Is what I wanted to shout many times while reading this. I felt Ms. Kinsella did a great job keeping the book light, romantic, while very 'real'. I cannot wait to read something else by her! Thank you First 2 Read for the opportunity to read and review this work.

I'm not at all sure how I feel about this book. The main characters, Rose and Pierrot, meet as orphans in the same orphanage and immediately form a life lasting bond. They are different than the other children as Rose fancies herself a clown and Pierrot can play the piano like no other. Unfortunately, they are destined to grow up during the great depression in Montreal and face unbelievable hardships. I enjoyed most of this story. It did get a bit weird for me, a bit drawn out, I felt the story seemed to drag and lose its center. Some of the hardships the 2 face are tough to stomach. If I wasn't reading this for First 2 Read I might have stopped after 100 pages.

Excellent start to a new children's series that can be read by any age group. I have read a lot of these types of books in the past couple of years. Kids discover their family is magical, there is a magic land, and only they can solve the mystery. But, this book is very well done and I thoroughly enjoyed getting sucked into the world Ms. Bell has built and getting to know the main characters-siblings Seb and Ivy. For the most part the world is easy to comprehend. I had a tough time at the beginning grasping the idea of uncommon goods-but once I got further into the story it didn't seem so odd. The mystery is well developed and leaves room for plenty of follow-up books and the main characters act like they are 11 and 14. I'll be looking out for the rest in this series.
Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this work.

A solid 3 stars rating for Ms. Ahern's scifi teen thriller/series. I'm curious enough to continue and read the next book in the series. This book takes place in the not to distant future where people are punished for making flawed character decisions. They are put on trial in front of a Guild who decides if their actions were indeed flawed and have hurt society. Celestine, a perfect student, an average teen, who comes from a solid family, finds herself on trial for committing an act she sees as one of just compassion. Her whole world is spun on it's axis and she becomes the poster person for taking down the Guild. The whole premise is very, very confusing. Even after reading the book, enjoying the characters, the chase, the developments in Celestine's personality, I am left a bit confused as to exactly what 'flawed' means. Ah well. Maybe I will be less confounded after reading book 2.

A quick read that tells the story of 3 almost 20 somethings whose lives cross as they try to make something of themselves and their dreams in the late 1920's in NYC. Letty and Cordelia are bestfriends, having grown up together in Ohio. They decide to make a break for it and board an evening train to NYC to escape their lives in Ohio. Once in NYC Letty tries her hand at becoming a famous singer and Cordelia goes off in search of her long lost father. Astrid happens to be dating Cordelia's half-brother and an immediate friendship is formed. This is a bit more than fluff as the time period is fleshed out very well in terms of society, dress and culture. I liked the characters enough to give book 2 a go.

Laura Blacklock is robbed days before embarking on the biggest assignment of her journalism career. She has the once in a lifetime opportunity to board a luxury yacht and write a travel piece on the experience. On the first night on the boat Laura believes she has witnessed a murder. But has she. Laura is prone to panic attacks, drinks too much and is suffering from PTSD from her robbery. Of course no one on the boat believes her, but someone is trying to get her to leave it alone. Wonderful mystery with a wounded main character, has you guessing even at the end.

A slow paced semi-thriller that takes place in the deep South. More of an ode to female friendship than thriller. Sugar, who is in her 90's, rents out her cottage to Merilee, who is newly divorced. Both women have huge secrets that they must trust each other with so that the secrets don't ruin their lives. A good look into Southern living, but the 'thrill' was pretty easy to spot coming. Thanks First2read for the book in exchange for an honest review.

A heart breaking yet up lifting story about what it means to grow up without love, struggle to find love and give love. Basically what it means to be a parent, have that unconditional love and give it in return. Victoria grew up in foster care, had one successful foster home where she learned the language of flowers. She uses that skill to change her life for the better once she becomes an adult.