This Week In Books (May 18th 2016)

This Week In Books is a weekly update on what you’ve been reading hosted by Lipsyy Lost & Found . A similar meme is hosted by Sam @ Taking on a World of Words.

Flooding does not get along with reading. My mom’s hot water tank broke last weekend, forcing us to cut short our stay in the countryside and drive back to Bordeaux. We got home to find a pipe had broken, turning our floor into a tiled swimming pool. I now believe I am cursed and will not go near any source of water. I said goodbye to my bathroom and to my reading time. As I am writing this, nothing is fixed, and I’m about to lose it!

∧ Then ∧ Black Widow, Christopher Brookmyre

Diana Jager is clever, strong and successful, a skilled surgeon and fierce campaigner via her blog about sexism. Yet it takes only hours for her life to crumble when her personal details are released on the internet as revenge for her writing.
Then she meets Peter. He’s kind, generous, and knows nothing about her past: the second chance she’s been waiting for. Within six months, they are married. Within six more, Peter is dead in a road accident, a nightmare end to their fairytale romance. But Peter’s sister Lucy doesn’t believe in fairytales, and tasks maverick reporter Jack Parlabane with discovering the dark truth behind the woman the media is calling Black Widow…

Two difficult books to review in a row, yay! This being said, Black Widow is a one-way ticket to a chilling psychological ride.

≈ Now ≈ What Pretty Girls Are Made Of, Lindsay Jill Roth

 

Envision Lauren Weisberger’s The Devil Wears Prada in the high-drama, estrogen-infused world of cosmetics, and you have What Pretty Girls Are Made Of—a hilarious debut novel from a writer who’s lived it.
In the make-up world, life and love are never cruelty-free…
After living in New York City for four years and reaching a dead end on her acting career, Alison Kraft needs a new role—time for a career change. When she reads about the world-famous Sally Steele Cosmetics studio, Alison quickly swoops in to make a good impression and lands a job as an assistant to the diva herself.
Surrounded by fantastic new hues of blushes, eye shadows, and glosses, Alison loves her new job and the new swag. Even better, she discovers she’s actually really good at it! But in the midst of juggling her love life, crazy family members, and the grueling demands of a jealous, flaky boss who could put Miranda Priestly to shame, Alison starts to question her choices. How long before the pretty face cracks for good?

I will never ever never trust Meghan Markle’s opinion on books again. Please, don’t promote your friends’ books if they are not good. What was supposed to be a fun trip to the cosmetics world turned into the tale of the pointless days of a very shallow and horrendously annoying young woman. I can’t recall the number of times I wanted to throw Alison under the NYC subway. The worst is I am only halfway through the book.

 

∨ Next ∨ The Winner’s Curse, Marie Rutkoski and
The Little French Guesthouse, Helen Pollard

 

As a general’s daughter in a vast empire that revels in war and enslaves those it conquers, seventeen-year-old Kestrel has two choices: she can join the military or get married. But Kestrel has other intentions.
One day, she is startled to find a kindred spirit in a young slave up for auction. Arin’s eyes seem to defy everything and everyone. Following her instinct, Kestrel buys him—with unexpected consequences. It’s not long before she has to hide her growing love for Arin.
But he, too, has a secret, and Kestrel quickly learns that the price she paid for a fellow human is much higher than she ever could have imagined.
Set in a richly imagined new world, The Winner’s Curse by Marie Rutkoski is a story of deadly games where everything is at stake, and the gamble is whether you will keep your head or lose your heart.

The Goodreads group Hype or Like Friday has chosen The Winner’s Curse as its book of the month for May. I would not have picked this book myself but I’m willing to give it a try.

 

Sun, croissants and fine wine. Nothing can spoil the perfect holiday. Or can it?
When Emmy Jamieson arrives at La Cour des Roses, a beautiful guesthouse in the French countryside, she can’t wait to spend two weeks relaxing with boyfriend Nathan. Their relationship needs a little TLC and Emmy is certain this holiday will do the trick. But they’ve barely unpacked before he scarpers with Gloria, the guesthouse owner’s cougar wife.
Rupert, the ailing guesthouse owner, is shell-shocked. Feeling somewhat responsible, and rather generous after a bottle (or so) of wine, heartbroken Emmy offers to help. Changing sheets in the gîtes will help keep her mind off her misery.
Thrust into the heart of the local community, Emmy suddenly finds herself surrounded by new friends. And with sizzling hot gardener Ryan and the infuriating (if gorgeous) accountant Alain providing welcome distractions, Nathan is fast becoming a distant memory.
Fresh coffee and croissants for breakfast, feeding the hens in the warm evening light; Emmy starts to feel quite at home. But it would be madness to walk away from her friends, family, and everything she’s ever worked for, to take a chance on a place she fell for on holiday – wouldn’t it?

I am very excited to be starting this book very soon. Me being French has something to do with it. I am always curious about how French people and the French way of life are perceived by foreigners. Also, my mom dreams of owning a guesthouse someday and we are fans of the concept. Add in an interesting story and you can be sure I’ll read the book.

What are you reading this week? Do share in the comments!