Morland Dynasty series by Cynthia Harrod-Eagles

The Founding (book 1) Set against the turbulent years of the Wars of the Roses, this book tells the story of the arranged marriage of Robert Morland and Eleanor, ward of the powerful Beaufort family. Robert adores her, but her secret passion is for Richard, Duke of York (from the publisher).

If you love history books and family sagas, these books are very readable and very interesting. They follow the lives of the English from 15th century to the present. The detail about their everyday lives is wonderful. I don't know if I will read the lot (33 and counting) but the early books are great.

Rating - I give this 5/5 GREAT!!

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Reviewed by Cheryl @ home

Wicked Appetite by Janet Evanovich

Number one bestselling author Janet Evanovich has created a brand-new heroine in Elizabeth Tucker: Marblehead resident, bakery worker, unlucky in love and descendant of witches. Life has had a pleasant predictability to it for Lizzy. That is until a tall, black-haired, dark eyed man shows up in a black sports car, touches her hand and leaves a burn mark. His name is Gerwulf Grimoire, also known as Wulf. And he wants what Lizzy has: knowledge. Almost simultaneously comes another man, a different man, but this one just as dangerous in his own way. His name is Diesel. And he wants several things Lizzy has, only one of them being knowledge. Unbeknownst to Lizzy, she has the ability to find "empowered objects." Turns out, a collection of stones that represent the seven deadly sins have made their way to Marblehead. Nothing bad can happen if the stones are all separated. But if they are grouped together, they have the power to unleash hell on earth. Wulf wan ts them. Diesel wants to stop him. And Lizzy is the key to all of it. Can Lizzy stay one step ahead of two men who both want her both body and soul? Can she juggle her job at Dazzle's bakery and still get the muffins out in time every morning? Can she stop the end of the world from occuring? For Elizabeth Tucker, cupcakes, 4 a.m. alarm clock settings, and Armageddon are all in a day's work (from the publisher).
Janet Evanovich has done it once again for me. I am totally obsessed with her "Stephanie Plum" series and this one has won me over. This is the start of a new series which has a new heroine to laugh at and fall in love with. Her name is Lizzie and she works in a bakery as a cupcake maker (I really want to taste one of her cupcakes by the way). She meets the gorgeous and rugged Diesel (who makes an appearance in the "In-between the numbers" novels with Stephanie Plum) and he takes her on a wild and hilarious adventure to find a stone which is one part to the mysterious Seven Deadly Sins stones. This book was really easy to read and has more new characters to have a good time with, I was there with them all the way. I can't wait for the rest of the series to come out. Now I will be looking forward to more books by Janet Evanovich. So, for lovers of the "Stephanie Plum" novels, there is something new for you to dig your teeth into!
Rating - I give this 5/5 GREAT!!

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Reviewed by Sam @ home

Awkward Family Photos by Mike Bender

Family: They're the people we love, the people we trust and confide in, the people we identify with. but there's something else about family that isn't often spoken about because, well, it's not always comfortable to admit. So, let's just put it out there-- family is awkward. That's right. When a group of people with the same last name and different personalities are forced to spend most of their lives together, plenty of uncomfortable moments are sure to follow. And when a camera is there to capture one of those moments, an awkward family photo is born (from the publisher).
We have all had to do it at least once in our lives - pose for a family photo. And the result is usually something we aren't all that proud of. If you have had any cringe-worthy moments then have a look at this book because it is full of cringe! It makes you wonder if the photographer is having the time of their lives as they position families the way they have, or are exacting their revenge on the world. Mothers can also be blamed when forcing a family dress code. An interesting (if that is the right word!) book to flick through.
Rating - I give this 3/5 Not bad...
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Reviewed by Michelle @ admin

My Sister's Keeper by Jodie Picoult

Anna is not sick, but she might as well be. By age thirteen, she has undergone countless surgeries, transfusions, and shots so that her older sister, Kate, can somehow fight the leukemia that has plagued her since childhood. The product of pre-implantation genetic diagnosis, Anna was conceived as a bone marrow match for Kate -- a life and a role that she has never challenged...until now. Like most teenagers, Anna is beginning to question who she truly is. But unlike most teenagers, she has always been defined in terms of her sister -- and so Anna makes a decision that for most would be unthinkable, a decision that will tear her family apart and have perhaps fatal consequences for the sister she loves.

My Sister's Keeper examines what it means to be a good parent, a good sister, a good person. Is it morally correct to do whatever it takes to save a child's life, even if that means infringing upon the rights of another? Is it worth trying to discover who you really are, if that quest makes you like yourself less? Should you follow your own heart, or let others lead you? Once again, in My Sister's Keeper, Jodi Picoult tackles a controversial real-life subject with grace, wisdom, and sensitivity.

Here are a few quotes from what the Wendouree Teenage Book club thought of the book:

"Depressing"

"Completely different from the movie"

"It made me sad and I felt like the movie was more accurate to real life than the book"

"Made you realise how much you should appreciate your health and family"

"It was so cruel to give birth to a child just for the reason to save another"

Rating - I give this 4/5 Not bad!l
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Reviewed by Wendouree Teenage Bookclub @ Wendouree branch