Review: The Alchemist's Secret

The Alchemist's Secret by Scott Mariani

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Move over Dan Brown - [a:Scott Mariani|712759|Scott Mariani|http://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1308801630p2/712759.jpg]'s Ben Hope books are a definite contender for champion in the thriller / mystery / mystical and religious conspiracy genre.

This is the first of the Ben Hope books. The hero is an ex SAS soldier, who tortured by an event in his past, for which he has never forgiven himself, turns his skills to rescuing abducted children. He is recruited to find an ancient document which could save the life of a dying child.

Mainly located in the South of France, home to the Cathars, with many historical details and references to alchemy, alchemical science all based on fact, this is an interesting mix of religious persecution, the politics of the Catholic church, fiction and a great thriller/suspense novel.



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Review: The Narrowboat Girl

The Narrowboat Girl by Annie Murray

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



I love Annie Murray's books, so much detail and the characters are always interesting. The Narrowboat Girl follows the life of Maryann, devestated by the death of her father at a young age, her mother's remarriage forces her run away to her only real friend, canal boatman Joel, but the legacy of her step-father and unsympathetic mother mar her potential happiness forcing her to move on.

The description of life on the waterways is fascinating. The sequel [b:Water Gypsies|2847821|Water Gypsies|Annie Murray|http://www.goodreads.com/assets/nocover/60x80.png|2873940] is on my "To Read" shelf. I look forward to it.



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Review: The Little House

The Little House by Philippa Gregory

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



I have only read Phillap Gregory's historical novels before and did not realise that she had written any modern fiction, so when I picked this up it came as a surprise.

A pyschological suspense thriller, tracking the path of a young married career woman through a reluctant move to "The Little House" in the grounds of her in-law's country house, an even more reluctant pregnancy and struggling through the first months as a stay at home wife and new mother.

With little support from her husband, Ruth's in-laws pick up the reins and gradually take-over.

An unexpected double-twist at the end.



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Review: Fall of Giants

Fall of Giants by Ken Follett

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Accidentally read a second time .... but well worth the second reading. An epic saga starting in South Wales mining community before the first World War. Book 1 of the trilogy traces the lives of welsh commoners and the aristocracy with the obligatory crossing over the lines, into the World War. Narrated from the view point of British, German, Austrian, Russian and American characters this is a very detailed, but fast moving story.

I'm looking forward now to reading the other two books in the trilogy.



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Review: Deception Point

Deception Point by Dan Brown

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



Action packed political thriller with lots of technology thrown in. Very alla Clive Cussler. The main character, Rachel Sextion, daughter of US State Senator Sedgwick Sexton (POTUS wannabe) is suddenly sent on a mission by the President to verify a startling discovery. From there on her life goes into free fall as she battles against an unknown opponent. You'll probably think you have guessed who the real arch manipulator is before the end .... but you may well get it wrong.



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Review: The Love Of My Life

The Love Of My Life by Louise Douglas

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Touching love story that involves you right from the beginning. The story is told by Olivia, the main character, and flips back and forth between now and her past. An unconventional, uncompromising woman, Liv tells her story from her young teens when she grows up surrounded by the Felicone family, a large, noisy Italian family who own a local restaurant. Eventually Liv marries Luca, the love of her life, but is never really accepted into his family.

The other half of the story, intertwined with Liv's growing years, sees her as a young widow grieving for the love of her life. The author tackles well the difficult subjects of loss and grief and how people who have lost someone close.

This book draws you in and makes you feel a part of the lives described so clearly and sympathetically.

Definitely recommended.



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Review: Ophelia in Pieces

Ophelia in Pieces by Clare Jacob

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



When high flying Ophelia discovers her husband has been cheating on her she immediately throws him out. This book describes the impact of her personal problems on her professional life and the effects of the marriage break up on her nine year old son.

Clare Jacobs first novel provides an interesting insight into the world of the wig and pen, switching from seedy criminals (the richest and the poorest) to the struggles of combining a career with single parenthood.



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