Before I Go To Sleep by SJ Watson

A slight change from my normal choice of books, I was looking for something new (after having exhausted my bookshelf once again) and came across SJ Watson's, 'Before I Go To Sleep'.

Described as a thriller, the book had received rave reviews and has won a number of awards - but in my opinion this doesn't necessarily mean the book is enjoyable. However I thought 'Before I Go To Sleep' was an original, encapturing and haunting read that I finished with in a matter of days.

The book begins as Christine, believing she is in her early twenties, wakes up in a strange bed, next to a man she has never met, and faced with reflection she cannot relate to.

Christine is an amnesiac, and everyday when she goes to sleep her memory is wiped clean. The man beside her explains to her that he is Ben, her husband and they have been married for over twenty years, living together in this house in London. He shows her photographs, portraying their life together, the life she does not remember, and then explains that he has to go to work, leaving her alone in this house she does not remember.

During the day she gets a call from a doctor who explains that he has been trying to help her over the past few weeks and that they have a meeting arranged for today. Once they meet he gives her a journal, her journal, that she has been keeping, following his instruction for a few weeks now.

Whilst the book is actually set in only one day, the journal provides the bulk of the story as Christine learns about her life, a day at a time.

The book is full of half remembered memories, secrets and surprising (and often chilling) twists and turns. When I first starting reading, I wasn't sure how the book would work seeing as the main character can only hold a memory for one day at a time, I thought it might become repetitive and drawn out but this was never the case. The use of the journal moves the story on just enough so that whilst it keeps you hooked, you are also able to experience some of the frustration that Christine must feel as she tries to piece together he fractured existence.

I thought that this was a great concept for a book and was certainly not let down by SJ Watson's excellent writing. I would recommend 'Before I Go To Sleep' to anyone looking for a good, thought provoking read and I am really looking forward to the film coming out. However, having read a little about it, I can't see that it will be as good as the book but I will reserve judgement until I have seen it! 

 10/10

I Heart London by Lindsey Kelk

This is the fifth book in the 'I Heart...' series and like the others it didn't disappoint. Lindsey Kelk has written another funny, uplifting, romantic story that you can't help but enjoy.  

'I Heart London' meets up with Angela as she is trying to put together her brand new magazine and think about possibly planning her wedding to rock star fiance Alex Reid...maybe, one day.

Angela hasn't been home since fleeing two years ago, boarding a plane with nothing more than her handbag, a bridesmaids dress and a pair of lethal Louboutin heels. She has made a new life for herself in New York, one that she is not prepared to risk, so travelling home for her Mum's birthday is not a thought Angela is relishing.

So when she arrives home only to be treated as though she had never left, she starts to feel her New York life slipping away, almost as though it wasn't really her. But with  New Yorker's Alex and best friend Jenny (currently spirraling out of control due to a broken heart) she has a constant reminder - much to the suprise of her family and friends it would seem.

Although, not even in her worst nightmares, could Angela have imagined what would happen during this trip home - could she be returning to New York, in just a weeks time, as Mrs Reid?

Whilst her family seem to be keen to secure Alex's place in the family (and its not hard to see why!), Angela is finding it all a little bit more difficult.

My only criticism of this book, was that there wasn't enough of the supporting characters (mainly Jenny) and, compared to the previous books, the 'drama' as it were, seemed a little bit less dramatic. This is not to say that the story wasn't exciting, it just seemed a little tamer.

On the whole though I really enjoyed this latest catch up with Angela and found it another easy and satifying read, I just hope that Lindsey Kelk doesn't decide to make it the last of the series!

8/10

The Greatest Love Story of All Time... by Lucy Robinson



This is Lucy Robinson's debut novel, and I didn't really know what to expect when I bought it, but I really enjoyed it once I got reading. 

The book starts with the lead character Fran, having just been dumped by her boyfriend, on the day she thought he was going to propose which also happened to be her thirtieth birthday! 

Not only did this announcement come completely out of the blue but her now ex-boyfriend Michael didn't even give a reason - only telling her not to contact him for three months. Understandably Fran doesn't take this well and the story begins with her wallowing in her grief (and own filth!) and drowning her sorrows in any alcohol she could get her hands on.

Eventually, with the help of her friends, 'the eight-date rule' and some very unsuitable men Fran manages to pull herself together; but not before almost losing her job, her dignity and her mind!

The supporting characters really make the story, from the eccentric and mysterious next door neighbour and Fran's alcoholic mother to her dependable best friend Dave and the disapproving Duke Ellington (Fran's cat). Although Michael himself isn't present for the majority of the book, we do learn about him through various flashbacks. We learn how Fran and Michael first met, and how she fell madly in love with him.

With a few unexpected twists an turns, a fair number of secrets, and (of course) a few 'happy coincedences' the story keeps you interested, and although not exactly 'un-put-downable' I did read it fairly quickly. I wanted to find out whether or not Fran and Micheal would get back together or if one of her Internet dates would win her heart.

I'm not sure I could say this was 'The Greatest Love Story of All Time...'  but Lucy has a great writing style with plenty of humour and well developed characters. It was a good read and I'd happily recommend it to others, I'll be looking out for Lucy's next novel.

8/10