I have heard so many good things about Lisa Jackson and she came so highly recommended. But, sadly I found this book confusing and convuleted. It just didn’t grab me. I passed it on to another reader and hope that it is more their cup of tea.

Gloss Rating: 2 out of 5

RRP: $38.99
Published by: Hachette



Saving Grace – Ciara Geraghty
Synopsis: When Grace O'Brien wakes up next to Bernard-from-IT, she blames the out-of-date bottle of Baileys for making her cheat on her boyfriend of one year, nine months, three weeks and six days. But then she finds she can't get Bernard - geeky dress sense, red hair and all - out of her mind. It gets worse when Grace's best friend falls in love with a blind date - Bernard. Somehow Grace can't help feeling that she's to blame for all this mess. She usually is, after all . . .

 I am sure that many of us woman or men for that matter have found ourselves in the same predicament as Grace at some point in our lives whether we choose to tell anyone or admit it is a different matter.  I loved the way the book was written with lots of Irish accents thrown into each page making it very easy to get lost in the book and feel like you were actually sitting at the pub Grace and her friends frequented. I found a smile on my dial the whole way through and more than once laughed out VERY loud.

Gloss Rating: 3.5 out of 5
RRP: $39.95
Published by: Hachette


The Italian Wedding – Nicky Pellegrino
Synopsis: Two feuding families, two love stories, a feast of delicious Italian food.

Pieta Martinelli's sister is getting married. Since she is a bridal designer it falls to her to make the wedding gown. But Pieta is distracted by a series of unanswered questions. Why is her father feuding with another Italian in the neighbourhood? Why is her mother so faded and sad? And could the man she's always held a torch for really be getting married to someone else? As Pieta stitches and beads her sister's wedding gown she uncovers the secrets that have made her family what it is and that stand between her and happiness.

The Italian Wedding is a feast of food and love. It's about discovering who your parents really are. And who you really want to be.

This book is an endearing tale of family relationships and a loving relationship with food. It’s an engaging and easy read that will capture you in the family feuds and passionate love of food.

Gloss Rating: 3.5 out of 5 

RRP: $35.99
Published by: Hachette

Change Your Life – Sarah Laurie

Sarah Laurie is a lifestyle coach based in Auckland who runs workshops and seminars nationwide. She also writes a series of lifestyle columns for Your Home & Garden and Next.

In her delightfully illustrated book Change Your Life: Twelve Principles For Beautiful Living, she provides you with insight, tools and resources to work out who you are, what you want and how to get it.

Each chapter has personal anecdotes, case studies, research and concludes with a checklist of practical activities to assist you with integrating the 12 fundamental principles into your daily life.

A lovely read and an effective book if you put your mind to it. 

Gloss Rating: 5 out of 5

RRP $36.99
Published by Random House NZ


The Truth About Melody Browne - Lisa Jewell
Lisa Jewell has struck gold with her new best selling novel The Truth About Melody Browne”. The story revolves around Melody Browne who has no memories before her ninth birthday. A devastating house fire destroys all her possessions, including her memory. Fast Forward to her early thirties when something bizarre happens. While attending a hypnotist show on her first date in years, she faints. When she comes around, she starts to remember. At first the memories have little significance but slowly, bit by bit she starts to put the pieces together.
From the very first page, Lisa Jewell captures your interest and keeps you frantically page-turning. Don’t start reading this book, unless you have the time to keep reading. Once you start, it’s completely more-ish and you won’t want to put it down.

Jewell’s style of writing captures your imagination and makes you fall in love with her characters so you’ll experience every emotion they feel.
Born and raised in North London, Lisa Jewell has a number of  Sunday Times best sellers including her debut novel, Ralph’s Party, thirtynothing, One-Hit Wonder, Vince & Joy, Friend of the Family and 31 Dream Street.
This is the perfect book to curl up during the weekend as the weather grows cooler.

RRP $37.99
Released: 3 April 2009-04-07
Imprint: Century

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