Lovereading Updates from the world of books » 2008

Archive for September, 2008

Most Popular Opening Extracts 22 – 29 Sep 08

Lovereading.co.uk TOP 9

1		A Fraction of the Whole Steve Toltz Shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize 2008 One of two debut novels in the 2008 Man Booker shortlist and it certainly deserves the recognition. Great characterisation, plot and observations on a disjointed family. … Download free opening extract
2		The White Tiger Aravind Adiga Shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize 2008 A promising debut novel which takes a funny and satirical look at modern day India. Taking a different approach from more recent India-based novels this looks at a darker, more political, side of life. … Download free opening extract
3		Sea of Poppies Amitav Ghosh Shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize 2008 The first in a trilogy set in the Indian sub-continent of the 1830′s. An array of characters set sail on the Ibris and as their stories unfold and intertwine we gain a fascinating insight … Download free opening extract
4		The Clothes on Their Backs Linda Grant Shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize 2008 Spanning a time from 1950′s London to the present day we follow Vivien’s story to discover her family history, her parents are immigrants who have kept her sheltered from their past, and to find … Download free opening extract
5		The Northern Clemency Philip Hensher Shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize 2008 A tale of two families living in Sheffield from the 1970′s through to the 90′s. A great saga of a book, do not be put off by the length (738 pages) as it’s compelling … Download free opening extract
6		The Secret Scripture Sebastian Barry Shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize 2008 A powerful and moving novel bringing the worlds of Ireland’s past and present together. Great characterisation and a thought provoking story. … Download free opening extract
7		Life’s Too Short to Frost a Cupcake Rosie Wilde A great, laugh out loud, romantic comedy. Alice is a PA at a music company who is offered the opportunity of a lifetime to go and work in America from the New York office. What this actually means is she … Download free opening extract
8		People of the Book Geraldine Brooks A book you can’t rush but must sit back and become totally absorbed in. Convoluted with fascinating detail and full of short mysteries, almost like a series of linking short stories, it all hangs round the research into an ancient … Download free opening extract
9		I Think There’s Something Wrong With Me Nigel Smith An incredibly funny account of Nigel Smith’s illness, and near death, told in a very frank, almost brutal way. As you ride along on Nigel’s journey you will be mentally exhausted from reading about everything he had to go through … Download free opening extract

Lovereading4kids.co.uk SITE TOP 10

1		Before I Die Jenny Downham Winner of the Branford Boase Award 2008. This is a haunting yet truly amazing read but don’t read it too young. Definitely not for someone less than 14 years old. If you knew you were going to die what would … Download free opening extract
2		Inkheart 3: Inkdeath Cornelia Funke Cornelia Funke’s acclaimed Inkheart trilogy, whilst rooted in the real world, sweeps beyond words to the Inkworld, a richly imagined parallel place that is the stuff of classic fairy tales that rivals Tolkien in its mastery. Inkdeath is … Download free opening extract
3		Bob’s Best Ever Friend Simon Bartram Simon Bartram’s Man in the Moon as one of the most memorable, witty, and intriguing picture books of recent times and now at last, Bob, the man in the moon is back but looking for a best ever best friend … Download free opening extract
4		Magic Thief Sarah Prineas This is an absolutely captivating debut fantasy adventure. Full of magic and trickery, this is the story of a wizard and his new apprentice trying to discover why the magic in their city is fading and how they must … Download free opening extract
5		Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Roald Dahl A book that requires no introduction as it is probably Dahl’s best-known and most read creation and deservedly so. The secretive and magical world of Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory is revealed to five ‘lucky’ children, each of who has won … Download free opening extract
6		Brisingr Christopher Paolini Oaths are sworn, loyalties tested and forces collide in a fantasy epic that promises to be one of the key publishing sensations of 2008. This, the third in Paolini’s Inheritance cycle is eagerly awaited on Saturday 20th September when it … Download free opening extract
7		The Bfg Roald Dahl This is a delightful, funny and exciting story about a special friendship between two people from different worlds – a giant and a child. As the story develops it shows how trust and love develops between them. It also … Download free opening extract
8		Waggit’s Tale Peter Howe This is an absolutely delightful and heart-warming animal tale about a puppy that gets dumped in the park by its owner. As he learns to fend for himself with the help of other strays, his life becomes both exciting and … Download free opening extract
9		Boy In The Striped Pyjamas John Boyne Film due for release 12 Sep 2008. To see a trailer click here or scroll down. When Bruno’s father is promoted to a new job, the family have to move from their comfortable home in Berlin to a strange new house in … Download free opening extract
10		The Story Blanket Ferida Wolff, Harriet May Savitz A beautifully heart-warming story about generosity rewarded with stunning illustrations by the award-winning illustrator Elena Odriozola. … Download free opening extract

Peter C :: Sep.29.2008 :: Most Popular Books :: No Comments »

Most popular Opening Extracts 14 – 21 Sep 2008

Lovereading.co.uk TOP 9


1		A Fraction of the Whole Steve Toltz Shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize 2008 One of two debut novels in the 2008 Man Booker shortlist and it certainly deserves the recognition. Great characterisation, plot and observations on a disjointed family. … Download free opening extract
2		The Clothes on Their Backs Linda Grant Shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize 2008 Spanning a time from 1950′s London to the present day we follow Vivien’s story to discover her family history, her parents are immigrants who have kept her sheltered from their past, and to find … Download free opening extract
3		Sea of Poppies Amitav Ghosh Shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize 2008 The first in a trilogy set in the Indian sub-continent of the 1830′s. An array of characters set sail on the Ibris and as their stories unfold and intertwine we gain a fascinating insight … Download free opening extract
4		The White Tiger Aravind Adiga Shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize 2008 A promising debut novel which takes a funny and satirical look at modern day India. Taking a different approach from more recent India-based novels this looks at a darker, more political, side of life. … Download free opening extract
5		The Northern Clemency Philip Hensher Shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize 2008 A tale of two families living in Sheffield from the 1970′s through to the 90′s. A great saga of a book, do not be put off by the length (738 pages) as it’s compelling … Download free opening extract
6		The Secret Scripture Sebastian Barry Shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize 2008 A powerful and moving novel bringing the worlds of Ireland’s past and present together. Great characterisation and a thought provoking story. … Download free opening extract
7		Class Jane Beaton September 2008 Debut of the Month. This is really good fun and full of great characters to make each page a delight to read. As Sophie Kinsella says it’s “like Malory Towers for grown-ups”, it’s just a shame we don’t already … Download free opening extract
8		People of the Book Geraldine Brooks A book you can’t rush but must sit back and become totally absorbed in. Convoluted with fascinating detail and full of short mysteries, almost like a series of linking short stories, it all hangs round the research into an ancient … Download free opening extract
9		The Outcast Sadie Jones Reviewed on Richard & Judy on Wednesday 25 June 2008. Shortlisted for the Orange Broadband Prize for Fiction 2008.An incredibly moving story about a damaged son returning home from prison determined to make a better life for himself. However, some … Download free opening extract

Lovereading4kids.co.uk TOP 10

1		Inkheart 3: Inkdeath Cornelia Funke Cornelia Funke’s acclaimed Inkheart trilogy, whilst rooted in the real world, sweeps beyond words to the Inkworld, a richly imagined parallel place that is the stuff of classic fairy tales that rivals Tolkien in its mastery. Inkdeath is … Download free opening extract
2		Waggit’s Tale Peter Howe This is an absolutely delightful and heart-warming animal tale about a puppy that gets dumped in the park by its owner. As he learns to fend for himself with the help of other strays, his life becomes both exciting and … Download free opening extract
3		Kaspar Michael Morpurgo A miraculous story of survival. Kaspar is a feline fairy tale which tells how, after a pampered life as Countess Kandinsky’s beloved pet which includes a spell staying in the Savoy, the eponymous cat survives the dramatic sinking of the … Download free opening extract
4		The Red Necklace Sally Gardner Set against the turbulent and drastically violent time of the French Revolution, this story is about a boy who is destined to become a hero. The plot takes you from Paris to London and back to Paris again to confront … Download free opening extract
5		The Bfg Roald Dahl This is a delightful, funny and exciting story about a special friendship between two people from different worlds – a giant and a child. As the story develops it shows how trust and love develops between them. It also … Download free opening extract
6		Best Friends Jacqueline Wilson This is a real heart warming story that will trigger many thoughts in a young child’s mind – both sadness and happiness – but it will also provide the realisation that when best friends are separated it doesn’t mean that … Download free opening extract
7		The Lion And The Mouse Mairi Mackinnon First Reading: Level One. The Aesop’s fable showing that you shoudn’t judge your friends on there size and strength. Level One titles are designed to be the first real books a beginner reader will tackle and are designed to foster a lasting enthusiasm … Download free opening extract
8		Before I Die Jenny Downham Shortlisted for the Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize 2008. The winner will be annouced 24th September. Winner of the Branford Boase Award 2008. This is a haunting yet truly amazing read but don’t read it too young. Definitely not for someone less … Download free opening extract
9		Comic Strip History Of The World Tracey Turner Everything important that’s happened in the world – in pictures, brilliant! … Download free opening extract
10		Boy In The Striped Pyjamas John Boyne Film due for release 12 Sep 2008. To see a trailer click here or scroll down. When Bruno’s father is promoted to a new job, the family have to move from their comfortable home in Berlin to a strange new house in … Download free opening extract

Peter C :: Sep.23.2008 :: Most Popular Books :: No Comments »

New Search System on Lovereading and the Man Booker shortlist

Find any book on anything with our fantastic new search system.
With over 500,000 books on our site, available to buy today, it can sometimes be tricky to track down a title if you only know a bit of the author’s name or just the subject it covers.

Well, we hope that this will now be a thing of the past with our mind bogglingly clever, and fast, new search system. You can now search fragments of a title, a bit of an author’s name, a place, a hobby – basically anything. It then goes off and searches all the infomation we have on the title, including the synopsis and reviews, and brings you back a list of titles that you can then refine by price, author or format. You must try it – it just works, enjoy!

The Man Booker prize is now 40 - and just as we thought it was sliding into middle age the judges have selected a radical shortlist, including two first time authors, and really shaken up the literary world. We have free Opening Extracts of them all – and if you want you can buy them for 25% off the RRP. So, be your own judge, read an Opening Extract of all the books and then vote in our poll. The winner will be announced in London on 13 October …. Watch this space.

The White Tiger
Aravind Adiga
A promising debut novel which
takes a funny and satirical look at modern day India. Taking a different approach from more recent India-based novels this looks at a darker, more political, side of life.
Format: Hardback

£9.74 Save 25%

The Secret Scripture
Sebastian Barry
A powerful and moving novel bringing the worlds of Ireland’s past and present together. Great characterisation and a thought provoking story.
Format: Hardback

£12.74 Save 25%

Sea of Poppies
Amitav Ghosh
The first in a trilogy set in the
Indian sub-continent of the
1830′s. An array of characters
set sail on the Ibris and as their stories unfold and intertwine we
gain a fascinating insight in to the politics of colonialism.
Format: Hardback

£14.24 Save 25%

The Clothes on Their Backs
Linda Grant
Spanning a time from 1950′s
London to the present day we
follow Vivien’s story to discover
her family history, her parents are immigrants who have kept her sheltered from their past, and to
find her own place in the world.
A moving and tender novel.
Format: Paperback

£8.99 Save 25%

The Northern Clemency
Philip Hensher
A tale of two families living in Sheffield from the 1970′s through to the 90′s. A great saga of a book, do not be put off by the length (738 pages) as it’s compelling stuff.
Format: Hardback

£13.49 Save 25%

A Fraction of the Whole
Steve Toltz
One of two debut novels in the 2008 Man Booker shortlist and it certainly deserves the recognition. Great characterisation, plot and observations on a disjointed family.
Format: Hardback

£13.49 Save 25%

Peter C :: Sep.19.2008 :: Newsletters :: No Comments »

Lovereading talks about Sony E reader on the BBC

Early September saw the launch of the Sony E reader – that allows bookworms to download, store and read up to 160 books on a piece of electronics slimmer than a novella!

The BBC wanted to get a reader’s perspective on this new technology and they asked Lovereading to comment. We took the new E reader for a test drive in places that we know you like to read. Find out our verdict by watching the video – just click on the image below to go to the BBC site.

Peter Crawshaw from Lovereading test drives the Sony E reader

Peter C :: Sep.18.2008 :: General Book News :: No Comments »

Most popular Opening Extracts 8 – 14 September

Lovereading.co.uk Top 10

1		Class Jane Beaton September 2008 Debut of the Month. This is really good fun and full of great characters to make each page a delight to read. As Sophie Kinsella says it’s “like Malory Towers for grown-ups”, it’s just a shame we don’t already … Download free opening extract
2		Doors Open Ian Rankin This is the first book since we said a sad farewell to Rebus and is Ian Rankin’s first stand alone novel for a decade. Don’t worry you will not be disappointed as all of Rankin’s skill, imagination and clever plotting … Download free opening extract
3		Filthy Rich Wendy Holden A delicious tale of love, mud, money and mayhem; her best yet in my opinion. This author has a wonderful knack of gently ridiculing the middle-classes and the rich, of turning ordinary situations into escapades of total madness and … Download free opening extract
4		The First Apostle James Becker A change of style for this author, who usually writes under the name James Barrington. Moving in to the realms of the conspiracy theory novel this is as good if not better than any of the Dan Brown-esque novels out … Download free opening extract
5		People of the Book Geraldine Brooks September 2008 Book of the Month. A book you can’t rush but must sit back and become totally absorbed in. Convoluted with fascinating detail and full of short mysteries, almost like a series of linking short stories, it all hangs round … Download free opening extract
6		The Book Club Bible A comprehensive reading guide packed with 100 recommended titles from classics to current bestsellers … in fact a rival to me! But joking apart, it’s an excellent little book giving you a synopsis, background information, discussion points and reviews … Download free opening extract
7		Love All Elizabeth Jane Howard This is Elizabeth Jane Howard’s first novel for 9 years and it is like welcoming an old friend. This is the story of a group of people brought together in a small West Country town to establish an arts festival. … Download free opening extract
8		The Night Climbers Ivo Stourton Beautifully and elegantly written. James’s aim is to gain a “prominent reputation” at university. He makes friends with a group led by the rich, but damaged Francis, spending most of his time eminently grateful that he can enjoy their company … Download free opening extract
9		Tales from a Wedding Day Olivia Ryan With each chapter charting a small segment of time, in the wedding day of the title, you will race through this new book from Olivia Ryan, eager to get on the next half hour of mishaps and mayhem. Full … Download free opening extract
10		Undersea Prison Duncan Falconer An ex-member of the elite Special Services has, up until now, been writing very much in Andy McNab vein but here turns tack a little into the adventure area. This is his fourth thriller. Comparison: Clive Cussler, Matthew Reilly, Vince Flynn. … Download free opening extract

Lovereading4kids.co.uk SITE TOP 10

1		Stormbreaker Anthony Horowitz A fabulous story that crackles with suspense and daring and shows that a bit of cheek will take you a very long way. Alex Rider is fourteen when his whole world is turned upside down. Already an orphan, his guardian … Download free opening extract
2		Magic Thief Sarah Prineas This is an absolutely captivating debut fantasy adventure. Full of magic and trickery, this is the story of a wizard and his new apprentice trying to discover why the magic in their city is fading and how they must … Download free opening extract
3		Waggit’s Tale Peter Howe This is an absolutely delightful and heart-warming animal tale about a puppy that gets dumped in the park by its owner. As he learns to fend for himself with the help of other strays, his life becomes both exciting and … Download free opening extract
4		The Bfg Roald Dahl This is a delightful, funny and exciting story about a special friendship between two people from different worlds – a giant and a child. As the story develops it shows how trust and love develops between them. It also … Download free opening extract
5		Bob’s Best Ever Friend Simon Bartram Simon Bartram’s Man in the Moon as one of the most memorable, witty, and intriguing picture books of recent times and now at last, Bob, the man in the moon is back but looking for a best ever best friend … Download free opening extract
6		Tumtum and Nutmeg: The Great Escape Emily Bearn An absolutely delightful tale of secret friends and a cosy world in miniature told very simply with some charming detail. It’s very much Brambly Hedge meets The Borrowers. The life of the mice, Tumtum and Nutmeg who live at Nutmouse … Download free opening extract
7		Before I Die Jenny Downham Shortlisted for the Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize 2008. The winner will be annouced 24th September. Winner of the Branford Boase Award 2008. This is a haunting yet truly amazing read but don’t read it too young. Definitely not for someone less … Download free opening extract
8		Airhead Meg Cabot From the creator of Allie Finkle and The Princess Diaries comes a brand new novel featuring two very different girls, one a superbrain and the other a supermodel. They have absolutely nothing in common until something extraordinary happens. … Download free opening extract
9		Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Roald Dahl A book that requires no introduction as it is probably Dahl’s best-known and most read creation and deservedly so. The secretive and magical world of Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory is revealed to five ‘lucky’ children, each of who has won … Download free opening extract
10		Boy In The Striped Pyjamas John Boyne Film due for release 12 Sep 2008. To see a trailer click here or scroll down. When Bruno’s father is promoted to a new job, the family have to move from their comfortable home in Berlin to a strange new house in … Download free opening extract

Peter C :: Sep.15.2008 :: Most Popular Books :: No Comments »

Most popular Opening Extracts 1 – 7 Sep 08

Lovereading.co.uk TOP 10

1		Class Jane Beaton September 2008 Debut of the Month. This is really good fun and full of great characters to make each page a delight to read. As Sophie Kinsella says it’s “like Malory Towers for grown-ups”, it’s just a shame we don’t already … Download free opening extract
2		Doors Open Ian Rankin This is the first book since we said a sad farewell to Rebus and is Ian Rankin’s first stand alone novel for a decade. Don’t worry you will not be disappointed as all of Rankin’s skill, imagination and clever plotting … Download free opening extract
3		The First Apostle James Becker A change of style for this author, who usually writes under the name James Barrington. Moving in to the realms of the conspiracy theory novel this is as good if not better than any of the Dan Brown-esque novels out … Download free opening extract
4		People of the Book Geraldine Brooks September 2008 Book of the Month. A book you can’t rush but must sit back and become totally absorbed in. Convoluted with fascinating detail and full of short mysteries, almost like a series of linking short stories, it all hangs round … Download free opening extract
5		Savage Moon Chris Simms Chris Simms is getting better and better. A chilling thriller, this will have you leaving the light on when you climb in to bed. When a woman’s body is found on Saddleworth Moor it is assumed she has been killed … Download free opening extract
6		Bloodchild Tim Bowler If you’re on the hunt for a book that will really grab you, put shivers down your spine and ensure that at the end of every chapter you gasp for breath then Bowler’s Bloodchild is the novel for you. Incredibly … Download free opening extract
7		Tales from a Wedding Day Olivia Ryan With each chapter charting a small segment of time, in the wedding day of the title, you will race through this new book from Olivia Ryan, eager to get on the next half hour of mishaps and mayhem. Full … Download free opening extract
8		The Irresistible Inheritance of Wilberforce Paul Torday September 2008 Book of the Month. The slow decline of a wine collector told backwards. We meet Wilberforce as he ascends into alcoholism and then back-track to the uninteresting computer self-employed workaholic he once was until a moment of uncharacteristic … Download free opening extract
9		Filthy Rich Wendy Holden A delicious tale of love, mud, money and mayhem; her best yet in my opinion. This author has a wonderful knack of gently ridiculing the middle-classes and the rich, of turning ordinary situations into escapades of total madness and … Download free opening extract
10		The Book Club Bible A comprehensive reading guide packed with 100 recommended titles from classics to current bestsellers … in fact a rival to me! But joking apart, it’s an excellent little book giving you a synopsis, background information, discussion points and reviews … Download free opening extract

Lovereading4kids.co.uk TOP 10

1		Journey To The Centre Of The Earth Jules Verne A thrilling, science-fiction adventure that takes its readers on a journey of discovery and imagination thousands of feet deep, deep into the centre of the earth. When a priceless coded parchment falls from a book, eccentric Professor Lidenbrock and his … Download free opening extract
2		Waggit’s Tale Peter Howe This is an absolutely delightful and heart-warming animal tale about a puppy that gets dumped in the park by its owner. As he learns to fend for himself with the help of other strays, his life becomes both exciting and … Download free opening extract
3		The Mysterious Benedict Society Trenton Lee Stuart This is a No. 1 New York Times Bestseller that we’ve been raving about since it went stratospheric across the water earlier this year. Here you will meet four very unusual children each with three things in common – … Download free opening extract
4		Wow! 366: Speedy Stories In Just 366 Words Various Authors , Ian Whybrow, Georgia Byng, Roddy Doyle, Jeremy Strong This anthology of 240 mini stories, each told in just 366 words, features authors such as Roddy Doyle, Raymond Briggs, Charlie Higson, Michael Morpurgo and a surprise entry from the current Prime Minister Gordon Brown. This book is a great … Download free opening extract
5		The Bfg Roald Dahl This is a delightful, funny and exciting story about a special friendship between two people from different worlds – a giant and a child. As the story develops it shows how trust and love develops between them. It also … Download free opening extract
6		Oathbreaker Michelle Paver Welcome to best-selling author Michelle Paver’s latest in the Chronicles of Ancient Darkness.This is the series that began with Wolf Brother and now continues with the story of Torak alongside his trusted and loyal Wolf. Once an outcast, Torak has … Download free opening extract
7		Owl Who Was Afraid Of The Dark – Book & CD Jill Tomlinson Plop is a baby owl. Perfect in every way – except for one. He’s afraid of the dark! But he soon discovers, through a variety of new friends, that dark can be fun and exciting and magical! This is a story for … Download free opening extract
8		The Strongest Girl In The World Sally Gardner What happens when a small girl finds she can lift something as big as a bus? A whole lot of adventure is the answer. The first of an enchanting series about children empowered by magical gifts. A story of enormous … Download free opening extract
9		Airhead Meg Cabot From the creator of Allie Finkle and The Princess Diaries comes a brand new novel featuring two very different girls, one a superbrain and the other a supermodel. They have absolutely nothing in common until something extraordinary happens. … Download free opening extract
10		Magic Thief Sarah Prineas This is an absolutely captivating debut fantasy adventure. Full of magic and trickery, this is the story of a wizard and his new apprentice trying to discover why the magic in their city is fading and how they must … Download free opening extract

Peter C :: Sep.08.2008 :: Most Popular Books :: No Comments »

New books for September – find out more

You only get one life on earth, but read and you can live a thousand lives; venturing into the bodies and minds of all kinds of fascinating people. Take a look at this month’s books, and discover what it’s like to be a washed up wine connoisseur, a rare book expert, or a boarding school teacher with a secret.

Books of the Month:

The People of the Book is by Pulitzer Prize winner Geraldine Brook. This adventure story traces the amazing journey of an ancient Hebrew manuscript across five centuries of European history.

The Irresistible Inheritance of Wilberforce is by Paul Torday, author of the bestselling Salmon Fishing in the Yemen. But this is a much darker affair, told back-to-front, in which we find out how a hopeful young man grew up to be a delusional alcoholic.

Debut of the Month:

Class: The secret diary of a teacher in turmoil, by Jane Beaton. Dubbed a ‘Mallory Towers for grown-ups’, this hilarious first novel follows the life of a teacher at a girl’s boarding school who is just as angst-ridden as her teenage students.

Life after Rebus

Doors Open is Ian Rankin’s first stand-alone thriller for over a decade – something of a literary event for his millions of fans. Mike Mackenzie is a self-made man with too much time on his hands. He begins to plan the ‘perfect crime’ as an amusement, but finds himself sucked inextricably into the criminal underworld….

And finally, if you want to stay up to speed with all the inspiring goings on in the book world, make sure you pay regular visits to the new Lovereading Blog. We’ll be posting as often as possible to let you know about the most popular new books and exciting book-related news and events.

This Month’s Featured ‘Literary / Contemporary’ Books

Mister Teacher

Jack Sheffield

This is Jack Sheffield’s second novel after, ‘Teacher, Teacher!’, revolving around the head-teacher of a village school in Yorkshire. There are lots of great characters and stories along the way in this gentle, humorous, touching series. It will give…

£5.99 Save 25%

The Irresistible Inheritance Of Wilberforce

Paul Torday

September 2008 Book of the Month.

The slow decline of a wine collector told backwards. We meet Wilberforce as he ascends into alcoholism and then…

£5.99 Save 25%

The Private Lives of Pippa Lee

Rebecca Miller

Reviewed on Richard & Judy on Wednesday 30 July 2008.

Wise, inspiring and brilliantly compelling, this is an unforgettable debut novel that will pull on the heart strings. There’s a real quality about the writing, which is spare with not a…

£5.99 Save 25%

The Book Club Bible

A comprehensive reading guide packed with 100 recommended titles from classics to current bestsellers … in fact a rival to me! But joking apart, it’s an excellent little book giving you a synopsis, background information, discussion points and reviews to…

£5.99 Save 25%

This Month’s Featured ‘Relationship Tales’ Books

One Fifth Avenue

Candace Bushnell

Please note that an extract from this title will not be available to download until 23 September 2008.

Lovereading view to appear soon…

£9.74 Save 25%

Filthy Rich

Wendy Holden

A delicious tale of love, mud, money and mayhem; her best yet in my opinion. This author has a wonderful knack of gently ridiculing the middle-classes and the rich, of turning ordinary situations into escapades of total madness and of…

£5.24 Save 25%

Class

Jane Beaton

September 2008 Debut of the Month.

This is really good fun and full of great characters to make each page a delight to read. As Sophie Kinsella says it’s “like Malory Towers for grown-ups”, it’s…

£5.24 Save 25%

Tales from a Wedding Day

Olivia Ryan

With each chapter charting a small segment of time, in the wedding day of the title, you will race through this new book from Olivia Ryan, eager to get on the next half hour of mishaps and mayhem. Full of…

£5.24 Save 25%

This Month’s Featured ‘Mystery / Thriller’ Books

The Night Climbers

Ivo Stourton

Beautifully and elegantly written. James’s aim is to gain a “prominent reputation” at university. He makes friends with a group led by the rich, but damaged Francis, spending most of his time eminently grateful that he can enjoy their company…

£5.24 Save 25%

The First Apostle

James Becker

A change of style for this author, who usually writes under the name James Barrington. Moving in to the realms of the conspiracy theory novel this is as good if not better than any of the Dan Brown-esque novels out…

£5.24 Save 25%

Trial By Blood

John Macken

A futuristic tale where DNA samples can actually produce a picture of the individual. The new technology is developed in a police forensic laboratory, the lead scientist sacked … so he sets up on his own … and now the…

£5.24 Save 25%

Undersea Prison

Duncan Falconer

An ex-member of the elite Special Services has, up until now, been writing very much in Andy McNab vein but here turns tack a little into the adventure area. This is his fourth thriller.
Comparison: Clive Cussler, Matthew…

£5.24 Save 25%

Doors Open

Ian Rankin

This is the first book since we said a sad farewell to Rebus and is Ian Rankin’s first stand alone novel for a decade. Don’t worry you will not be disappointed as all of Rankin’s skill, imagination and clever plotting…

£14.24 Save 25%

Savage Moon

Chris Simms

Chris Simms is getting better and better. A chilling thriller, this will have you leaving the light on when you climb in to bed. When a woman’s body is found on Saddleworth Moor it is assumed she has been killed…

£7.49 Save 25%

This Month’s Featured ‘Historical Fiction’ Books

A Small Part of History

Peggy Elliott

Written in an unembellished, reportive style, spotted with journal entries, this is the story of a family seen through the eyes of the women as they cross the vast hostile territories of America on the Oregan Trail in 1845. I…

£5.99 Save 25%

The Septembers of Shiraz

Dalia Sofer

The plight of a family during the Iranian Revolution. This is very much in The Kite Runner territory, a brave and frightening book of loss, prejudice, prison life, civilian hardship and a lad with his own, very different problems,…

£5.99 Save 25%

The Things We Do For Love

Imogen Parker

Absorbing, romantic and very well written, this is the second novel chronicling the stories of two families, in the seaside town of Kingshaven, whose lives have become intertwined. This novel moves on to 1969 and follows the lives of two…

£5.24 Save 25%

People of the Book

Geraldine Brooks

September 2008 Book of the Month.

A book you can’t rush but must sit back and become totally absorbed in. Convoluted with fascinating detail and…

£5.99 Save 25%

This Month’s Featured ‘Family Drama’ Books

A House by the Sea

Elvi Rhodes

After her husband’s death, Caroline leaves her home in Bath to buy a dilapidated old house in Brighton. Will this be the place she finds new love and will her family and friends be supportive in the new changes in…

£5.24 Save 25%

The Sisterhood

Emily Barr

I absolutely loved this. A story of two women whose lives become connected after the younger one, Helen, decides that Liz is her half sister, abandoned by Helens mother some thirty years before and sets out to reunite the family….

£5.24 Save 25%

The Village Green Affair

Rebecca Shaw

More village life in Turnham Malpas with familiar characters and a surprise new one … plus plenty of trouble.
Comparison: Miss Read, Erica James.

£5.24 Save 25%

This Year It Will Be Different

Maeve Binchy

A collection of short stories relating to Christmas which would make a good stocking filler for someone who hasn’t really read Maeve Binchy before. If you are a fan you may have read some of the stories before in other…

£5.99 Save 25%

This Month’s Featured ‘Biography / Autobiography’ Books

Killing My Own Snakes

Ann Leslie

Ann Leslie has been one of our top journalists for over three decades and has come across a myriad of people in her time. This is the sort of memoir you really want to read as she has a multitude…

£15 Save 25%

I Think There’s Something Wrong With Me

Nigel Smith

An incredibly funny account of Nigel Smith’s illness, and near death, told in a very frank, almost brutal way. As you ride along on Nigel’s journey you will be mentally exhausted from reading about everything he had to go through…

£5.99 Save 25%

My Life, My Way

Cliff Richard, Penny Junor

Cliff Richard has been part of the British music scene for 50 year and in this story of his life so far we find out how he has endured when many others have fallen by the way side. This will…

£15 Save 25%

My England Years

Sir Bobby Charlton

After the success of the first part of his fascinating autobiography following his Manchester United years Bobby Charlton is back with the next phase of his phenomenal career. For 22 years he played for his country and was involved in…

£15 Save 25%

This Month’s Featured ‘The Real World’ Books

Safe Passage

Ida Cook

The pre-wartime exploits of two remarkable sisters who smuggled Jews out of Germany from 1934 on, posing as eccentric opera fans and financing the operations themselves.

£5.99 Save 25%

An Ocean Away

Dave Clarke

An inspiring book in many ways, Dave Clarke’s story of sailing across the Atlantic in a renovated 18 foot yacht is a joy to read. This book is about a chap with a lot of determination and enthusiasm who wanted…

£12.74 Save 25%

Great British Journeys

Nicholas Crane

This book chronicles some of the most interesting and intrepid explorer’s of recent history and their journeys around the British Isles. Crane tells their stories in an amusing and highly entertaining way bringing these long gone travellers very much alive…

£6.74 Save 25%

The World Without Us

Alan Weisman

This is probably more about the impact we are having on the planet than what would actually happen to it without us, although it does provide a fascinating and informative scenario of how the world would be. Generally the planet…

£6.74 Save 25%

So download some free Opening Extracts from the selection above, or visit our site to find thousands more interesting characters whose minds you can delve inside.

Peter C :: Sep.04.2008 :: Newsletters :: No Comments »

Lovereading.co.uk TOP 10

1		The Outcast Sadie Jones Reviewed on Richard & Judy on Wednesday 25 June 2008. Shortlisted for the Orange Broadband Prize for Fiction 2008.An incredibly moving story about a damaged son returning home from prison determined to make a better life for himself. However, some … Download free opening extract
2		Mr Cavendish, I Presume Julia Quinn If you love this genre of Regency Romance then Julia Quinn is definitely worth a look. These are funny and charming, with plenty of dialogue to give them a fast pace. Julia Quinn writes pure escapism with feisty, fun characters … Download free opening extract
3		East of the Sun Julia Gregson Reviewed on Richard & Judy on Wednesday 9 July 2008. This is an utterly captivating story of three young British women in search of freedom and love in 1920s India, but it also provides a wonderful insight into a now vanished … Download free opening extract
4		Twilight (Twilight Saga Book 1) Stephenie Meyer Deeply seductive and irresistibly compelling, this is an extraordinary love story that will stay with you long after you’ve finished it. It’s the first in the Twilight series and is a captivating sage of vampire romance. … Download free opening extract
5		Holly Would Dream Karen Quinn An excellent choice for a fun, madcap summer read. Holly is constantly wishing he life was like that of an old fashioned Hollywood movie star and it isn’t far off that until one day when everything in her life suddenly … Download free opening extract
6		It’s a Kind of Magic Carole Matthews Totally charming relationship tale, almost a fairy story of a young couple who have been taking each other for granted for too long so Emma throws Leo out and Isobel appears on the scene and then the magic begins. … Download free opening extract
7		An Offer You Can’t Refuse Jill Mansell Another funny, romantic novel from Jill Mansell to keep you company on the beach this summer. When Lola is offered £10,000 to break up with her boyfriend by his mum she has no intention of taking her up on the … Download free opening extract
8		Ferney James Long April 2008 Book of the Month. I fell in love with this book when it was first published in 1997. It did moderately well but not as well as it should. I think one of the problems was that up … Download free opening extract
9		The Death Chamber Sarah Rayne A story of sadness and a lost past with repercussions echoing down the years from the First World War to the present. There is murder, blackmail and many hidden secrets but it is the effect of the past on … Download free opening extract
10		Black Ships Jo Graham July 2008 Debut of the Month. This is a slightly difficult one to categorise as it seems to encompass several genres, part historical fiction, part supernatural, part romance this is a novel of wide appeal. Gul is an oracle, she … Download free opening extract

Lovereading4kids.co.uk TOP 10

1		Owl Who Was Afraid Of The Dark – Book & CD Jill Tomlinson Plop is a baby owl. Perfect in every way – except for one. He’s afraid of the dark! But he soon discovers, through a variety of new friends, that dark can be fun and exciting and magical! This is a story for … Download free opening extract
2		The Mysterious Benedict Society Trenton Lee Stuart This is a No. 1 New York Times Bestseller that we’ve been raving about since it went stratospheric across the water earlier this year. Here you will meet four very unusual children each with three things in common – … Download free opening extract
3		Journey To The Centre Of The Earth Jules Verne A thrilling, science-fiction adventure that takes its readers on a journey of discovery and imagination thousands of feet deep, deep into the centre of the earth. When a priceless coded parchment falls from a book, eccentric Professor Lidenbrock and his … Download free opening extract
4		You Have Been Warned! Roger Mcgough A deliciously macabre collection of cautionary poems in which gruesome and grisly children are taught the errors of their ways. McGough’s own poem ‘Cautionary Tales’ entertainingly describes the fate that befalls Josephine whose lack of application at school cause leads … Download free opening extract
5		Artemis Fowl and the Time Paradox Eoin Colfer This is the jaw-dropping, eagerly anticipated sixth book in multi-award-winning block buster Artemis Fowl series. Artemis finds himself travelling back in time to fight his younger self and save his mother from a dangerous illness. Fast, funny and as usual … Download free opening extract
6		Before I Die Jenny Downham Winner of the Branford Boase Award 2008. This is a haunting yet truly amazing read but don’t read it too young. Definitely not for someone less than 14 years old. If you knew you were going to die what would … Download free opening extract
7		Wow! 366: Speedy Stories In Just 366 Words Various Authors , Ian Whybrow, Georgia Byng, Roddy Doyle, Jeremy Strong This anthology of 240 mini stories, each told in just 366 words, features authors such as Roddy Doyle, Raymond Briggs, Charlie Higson, Michael Morpurgo and a surprise entry from the current Prime Minister Gordon Brown. This book is a great … Download free opening extract
8		Abc Uk James Dunn A wonderful picture book for parents to share with younger and older children alike. It’s unusual in that through the alphabet it introduces a quirky celebration of Britain’s vibrant and unique cultural identity beginning with A is for Arthur … Download free opening extract
9		The Number 7 Shirt Alan Gibbons This is an action-packed story involving a boy who dreams of being a football pro. Because fiction and non-fiction are interwoven together, it’s likely to attract less keen readers but readers who may have a passion for football. His heroes … Download free opening extract
10		Reckless Cecily Von Ziegesar Definitely Sex and the City for teens. Wonderfully engrossing and totally addictive with plenty of love/hate relationships to keep everything rocking the It Girl teen series is a mega hit already in the US and is bound to catch on here. Definitely the … Download free opening extract

Peter C :: Sep.01.2008 :: Most Popular Books :: No Comments »