Author: Tommy Barnes

I purchased this book after spying it on a top 100 new released books to read magazine.

This is a true account of the authors move from England to the Loire in France.  Throughout the book we follow Tommy and his ever growing family through their new adventure.  Tommy leaves the ray race behind to pursue his venture managing a microbrewery.

The story provides a very honest account of their life in France, with many comical antidotes of croissant addictions and antics with the dog Burt.  While navigating the bureaucratic system of France, raising their first child and building a business we are invited along to experience the ups and downs of their life.

As a character (or should i say person) Tommy is funny, likable, immature, a dreamer and very easy to relate to.  Tommy’s relationship with their dog Burt had me crying with laughter throughout.  The detailed descriptions and comradery of the characters draws you into their life and leaves you feeling as if your also along for the ride.

Overall the book was well written and a welcome distraction from the mundane rituals of life.  I found myself laughing and crying with Tommy and willing him to success.  This would be a great read for anyone, grab a coffee and curl up by the fire and devour this fantastic story of one families emigration from fast paced London to the relaxing countryside in the Loire.

Author: Stephen King

This book was a kindle purchase, after reading The stand by Stephen King i have embarked on a mini mission to read all I can from the author.

This is the story of Johnny Smith a Maine teacher who tragically has an accident which results in him being in a coma for over four years.  He miraculously wakes from the coma and experiences precognition.

The story is one of dramatic changes that set off a series of events that appear to be lead by fate or destiny.  There is an undercurrent of a true love story, which was never meant to be.  Themes running throughout the story are of lost love, longing, overcoming.

The main character is easy to connect with, I found myself willing him to get the girl and live happily ever after.  The characterization of Johnny drew forth feelings of sympathy and concern, drawing me deeper into the story.

Overall the story line is driven by the feeling of uncontrollable fate and captures you from the beginning.  Although I personally found the ending was lacking at lot of the raw emotion and drive that the story started with, however I would say that it is worth a read especially for supernatural thriller fans.  But don’t expect too much from the final section of the book.

Introduced by: Elizabeth Gilbert

From the author Elizabeth Gilbert who brought us Eat, pray, love this book is a collection of stories from people who read Eat, pray, love and were inspired by Elizabeth’s story of self discovery.

This was a self bought book, after reading Eat, pray, love i was curious to see how individuals had read of one woman’s journey to self discovery and used the emotions they felt to set off on their own life journey.  The stories range from funny to emotional and inspiring.  I had a few particular stories i engaged with the most such as Take a breath by Rebecca Asher and There you are by Jan Haag.

A great read for anyone who enjoys true life tales of overcoming and rising up from rock bottom to discover yourself.