Book Review - A Hundred Pieces of Me - Lucy Dillon

 

 

Gina Bellamy is the main character of the book, she has gone through some major life hurdles, Never knowing her father to losing he step father who she adored. Finding her soul mate in university 'Kit', only to lose him through a twist of fate and now having beaten Cancer she discovers that her rebound husband has been cheating on her and had to leave her beloved home that she spent years decorating.
Gina has moved all those things into her new flat, she realised she has been collecting clutter that she no longer appreciates. So, she sets about sorting out 100 things that she thinks she can keep, 100 things special and dear to her that she can't bear to lose. as she's searching through these items, Gina is reminded of some of the tough times she's had to face, and an uncertain future ahead of her as well.

 

This book was given to me as gift for Easter, I rarely get chance to read newly released book other then proof reading

I haven't read any of Lucy's other books and I enjoyed her style, easy to read nothing over complicated.
I had read half the book in one day and was all set to leave a glowing review but then things started to get boring,
I felt the book had lost it's way. I can see Lucy's was trying for the bitter sweet ending had rushed the final chapters.

Gina over joyed finding love with the sadness of discovering the cancer had return.
As reading the book I thought it would be that although Gina thought the cancer was back in fact it wasn't and that the new love story would remain a mystery.

 

To summaries, The book is enjoyable but I felt let down by the ending. 

 

See:

 

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Hundred-Pieces-Me-Lucy-Dillon-ebook/dp/B00DS9G0NG/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

Time After Time - Vintage Shop in the Heart of The Cotswolds

 

Every now and then I walk into a shop that really blows me away, I have in the past been into many vintage shops, from Bath to London Kings Road but this find made my heart skip a Thousand beats.
I fell in love with it's charm and the charming owner!

The shop 'Time After Time' sits perfectly in the shopping lanes of Stroud. What worries me, is I have been to Stroud many times but never seen it, Why? I am unsure and oddly It was only my daughter pointing it out that drew my attention.

 

Stepping through the door, was like entering into another realm, a time warp, with sparkle, glamour, polished wood and Jazzy music.
A feast for the eyes, mind and soul. I have decided I must go back on my own one day with a few hours to spare and have a good look through all of the bounty this shop holds without the pressure of family watching me.
I was so close to buying a beautiful Art Deco Necklace for a mere £39. I guess I will regret that one! 

 

So if you find your self in the Cotswolds, I totally recommend this place, it's worth the effort and Stroud is a charming little place to, with nice places to eat, have coffee and quirky shops.
(when I return, I will post again with my finds!)

 

http://www.stroudvintage.com

Book Review - The Road To Nab End - William Woodruff

This book is all about growing up in the Lancashire wool mill town of Blackburn through the depression and terminal decline of the cotton industry.
It took me several goes to get through this book, it had nothing to do with the quality of the writing or the stories told just I could not relate to them and the author assumed I knew what it felt like to wear clogs or scratchy woollen clothes, to work all day in a noisy fibre filled factory that I presumed smelled of oil and damp.
However half way through this book I paid a visit to a local wool museum and then all this stories came in focus and colour.
I returned home and buried my self back into the book towards the end I loved the book and with any good book it's closure was saying bye to a good friend!

However what I did find very interesting was on page 386..
Goverment aid through the dole seemed to be deliberately aimed at breaking the spirit of anyone who was proud, thrifty, honest and upright. How could anyone 'genuinely seek work' when there was no work to seek; or accept a means test, which seemed designed not only to lower an already low standard of living, but also to break up family life....

Does this all sound familiar? Yet this is referring to the great depression of the 1930's.
I know so many people who can relate to this and its true it seems over the decades the benefit system set up to protect the weak, fails them too!

I would recommend this book but I think you need to have a interest or a link to Lancashire or the cotton / woollen industry to appreciate it to it's fullest.

See:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Road-Nab-End-Lancashire/dp/1906011265