A Girl Like You by Gemma Burgess

Right, I may as well admit it now, but I am fast becoming a huge fan of Gemma Burgess. Like most women, I enjoy reading chick-lit or whatever you want to call it (and no I’m not ashamed, why should I?), and out of all the new author’s, Gemma Burgess is certainly one of the best.

A Girl Like You is the second book by this wonderful author, the first being The Dating Detox, which I now consider a must read, but I will do a post on that one another time. Gemma Burgess’ second book, A Girl Like You tells the story of Abigail who has recently left a long term relationship and enter’s a world where she must learn the rules of the dating game all from scratch. It all seem’s to be too much for Abigail at first, until her new flatmate Robert agrees to teach her all he knows – he is one of London’s most notorious lotharios afterall, and so she begins to date…but like a man! The plot proceeds with a number of dates, hilarious incidents, a  wedding and a spark in Abigail’s heart for one of the character’s.

The plot is smart, fun and grabs your attention. The character’s are easy to relate to and will make you laugh and cry, at times when you read about Abigail’s thought’s, it is often like listening to one of your best friends. Gemma Burgess certainly has a way with words, and once you start reading it’s very difficult to stop! I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a read that will put a smile on their face, becase it certainly did for me, and I can not wait to read more from this fantastic author.

MM

Single in the City by Michele Gorman

I came across Single in the City by Michele Gorman, a few days ago, and thought I’d give it a go as I was looking for something quite light, fun and girly to read.

The story is one that many will relate to, that of an individual (or in this case Hannah), who sets out to make a fresh start in London, all the way from the USA. Hannah, as well as a few of the other characters are very likeable, and it is interesting to read how she finds fitting in with the English, dating, working and making new friends.

In essence it is a nice enough read, however, the only thing that annoyed me was that there didn’t seem to be much of a connection between Hannah and the guy who she ends up with. For me he hardly left an impact on the story, on Hannah, or myself as the reader, so that when it came to the ending I couldn’t understand Hannah’s decision – she still seemed a bit lost.

Michele Gorman, is new author to me, and I think this is her only release yet, so I would like to give another book of her’s a try. Single in the City, isn’t probably a book that I would go back to and read again, but if you’re looking for something light, then give it a go.

MM

One Day by David Nicholls

For some reason I actually feel ashamed to admit that I’ve only just finished reading One Day by David Nicholls. Simply because so many people only seem to be reading it at the moment because of the recent release of the film adaptation. I had infact intended to read it many months ago, but for some reason or other I only got around to reading it now.

I won’t bore you with a full review of the book, as Im sure there are many out there, but what I will say that it certainly is a must read! David Nicholls is a new author to me, and I really enjoyed his style of writing, the character’s, as well as the story itself. It does have abit of a chick-lit feel to it, but at the same time, it is very cool, so the blokes out there – don’t be afraid of it!

The book carries the wonderful theory of your best friend, that one person who you meet turns out to be ‘The One’, and even though the years may pass and other relationships may come and go that individual remains…that connection remains (until death of course.)

As for the characters, I instantly liked Emma, but when it came to Dexter I think I can see why things were complicated for Emma at times. As much as I loved the two of them together, a lot of Dexter’s actions and decisions really really annoyed me.

So basically, all I want to say is if you’re looking for something to read, something to touch your soul then check out One Day by David Nicholls. I am yet to decide whether I want to watch the film version or not, as I’ve read very mixed reviews. So if there is anyone out there reading this, who has read the book and watched the film, do let me know what you thought of the two.

MM