I bought this just two days ago, and from the start, I was gripped by this book. I've read other books by Cathy Glass where Lucy was mentioned and oncI bought this just two days ago, and from the start, I was gripped by this book. I've read other books by Cathy Glass where Lucy was mentioned and once she was more integrated in Cathy's family, but this is about her beginnings and how she met Cathy and ended up at her house. This is the story about Lucy, Cathy's adopted daughter. Lucy had a really troubled past, and was passed from one house to another. She was bought up by her mother after her father, who is Thai, went off to Thailand following the explanation that his mother was ill. It's hard to know if this was true or not, and I felt like Lucy's mum, Bonnie, when she found out. Bonnie lived in a rundown flat above a launderette in a depressed area of town for years, but then managed to excape and rent a flat. Lucy went through a lot through her whole life. She seems to open up when she meets Cathy and her family. This book is very honestly written as always with Cathy Glass's books. The book is very sad in some parts, and it was great to read Lucy's story....more
A short, but very well written book surrounding the events between seasons 2 and 3 of the Homeland TV series, where Sgt. Nicholas Brody is sent to SouA short, but very well written book surrounding the events between seasons 2 and 3 of the Homeland TV series, where Sgt. Nicholas Brody is sent to South America by Carrie. It's written like a letter or diary entry to her, and details his experience, the journey his feelings throughout and details of who he travels with. and who he meets once he gets to Honduras and what it's like there as well as what happens there. A very pleasant short listen (I listened to the Audible audiobook). The audiobook was made that much more special by the flawless, action-packed and gripping writing style which came to life completely because of being narrated by none other than Damian Lewis himself (who plays Sgt. Nicholas Brody in the series). A complete MUST read/ listen for Homeland fans everywhere! I can't wait to listen to the audio version of Carrie's story. This review can be seen on www.myreadingparadise.com...more
This is the most recently released novel by Cathy Glass (released 10 September 2015). It's the story of Joss who went to Cathy as a frightened 13 yearThis is the most recently released novel by Cathy Glass (released 10 September 2015). It's the story of Joss who went to Cathy as a frightened 13 year old. The story, as usual, is well-told by Cathy, and Joss, her mum Linda and little brother, Kevin, have endured what no family should have to: the loss of their father and Linda's first husband through his suicide. Joss appears to resent the fact that her mum has remarried a man called Eric, but she has good reason to. When Joss arrives at Cathy's, she's broken and distraught and has nightmares and gets in with a bad crowd. She's hostile towards Cathy and her family and the social services get involved. As Joss reveals her worries over what happened, a caring thoughtful side to her emerges and she gets on much better with Cathy and her family. She stops seeing the bad crowd and she does much better at school.
There's conflict between Joss and her mum at times although Joss loves her, and she really misses her brother Kevin who lives with Linda and Eric while Joss is in care and living at Cathy's. They all want to be together as a family. In this book, we see the meaning of family, and the lengths some families have to go to to rebuild their lives. As always with Cathy's books, the story is very touching but also has details of abuse, and I'd advise keeping tissues nearby. The language is very emotive too. The detail involved is spot- on as always with Cathy Glass's books and we get an insight into how the social services work with Joss and her family, as they do with the other families in Cathy's books. I was pleased with the ending and the book left me satisfied. Denica Fairman's narration really compliments the story well. The difference with this story and the ones I've listened to so far that I own, is that Cathy shows the involvement of Joss's grandparents (Linda's parents) aside from her parents, Kevin and her so-called "friends" (who are the ones who ultimately form the "bad crowd,") and it's apparent how close the whole family is to the grandparents. This is a nice touch. After I'd read the update for this book on, I was very pleased to see that Cathy has a new novel out in February called A Dark and Lonely Place. That will be on my To Read list for sure! I'm so glad I read Girl Alone, and pre-ordering it by a week was so worth it to definitely have the audiobook on my iPad the day of its release. There are still audiobooks of Cathy's I haven't listened to which I'll use my Audible membership to download while I wait for next year's new release!
You can also find this review on my blog, The Glitter Notebook at Review: Girl Alone by Cathy Glass (Audible Unabridged Audiobook) 5 Stars | The Glitter Notebook https://theglitternotebook.wordpress.... Verdict: 5 Stars....more
It was nice to read about a teenager's experience. Zeena seems very strong to me, despite what she went through. As always, Cathy has a really approacIt was nice to read about a teenager's experience. Zeena seems very strong to me, despite what she went through. As always, Cathy has a really approachable and kind manner, as much with Zeena as with any other child or teen she fosters, and this really comes across in her writing. There are very sensitive issues here, but Cathy's adolescent/ young adult children deal with what happened to Zeena with a wiseness beyond their years. As with all books by Cathy Glass, I cannot fault the flow of the story or the character voice....more
This isn't the first book I've read of Cathy's, and it's a different style, but just as well written and engaging, Mandy is taking a year off work to This isn't the first book I've read of Cathy's, and it's a different style, but just as well written and engaging, Mandy is taking a year off work to paint more as she's an artist. She goes back to the house where she spent many a happy summer with her family members at her aunt Evelyn and uncle John's house. Her grandpa is very ill and although she's accompanied to the house by her dad, she decides to stay and help her family care for him. There's many a sleepless night for her, John and Evelyn, and many details of how her grandfather is cared for by them as well as a nurse who pops in to give her grandpa his morphine injection for pain. Those people who aren't used to what's involved in caring for elderly people or the very ill might find this book a bit too graphic in parts, but I found it informative. A parallel story is that Mandy keeps being told something happened involving her indirectly, and her gran tells her it "wasn't her fault" but she keeps wondering what went on. She also sees the face of a young girl who looks like a very young version of her (about twelve years old- Mandy was thirteen the last time she was at the house.) She was taken from there by her father never to return until this summons upon finding her grandfather was ill. Her confidante in life, as well as her dad, is her boyfriend, Adam. Each character is well portrayed and has a clear personality and mannerisms. The plot is very vivid and this book, like Cathy's others, is a real page-turner! :)...more
Reece is just 7 years old when he arrives at Cathy's. He's part of a large family and his mother Tracy hasThis is a review for the Audible audiobook.
Reece is just 7 years old when he arrives at Cathy's. He's part of a large family and his mother Tracy has had a difficult past She has learning difficulties as does Reece and all but one of his siblings. Cathy and her family cater for Reece's needs as best they can, and Cathy stands by him as he goes through difficult times at school and in his personal life. He learns to trust Cathy and her family and they become close while decisions about Reece's future are made. A touching story of a brave little boy who was told "not to tell" of the secrets he and his family hold. I really felt for Reece and his siblings, experiencing so much so young....more
This review is for Audible's audiobook Star Trek: The New Fronteir. I'm a huge Trekkie , and usually love Peter David's books. What got on my nerves nThis review is for Audible's audiobook Star Trek: The New Fronteir. I'm a huge Trekkie , and usually love Peter David's books. What got on my nerves no end was the narrator's voice. I'll try the ebook. ...more
Q, either you love him or hate him. I have always found him a little annoying, but this book is so well written I felt as if he were in the same room Q, either you love him or hate him. I have always found him a little annoying, but this book is so well written I felt as if he were in the same room as me. The advantage of this is that the book is written by none other than John de Lancie, who plays Q in the TNG episodes. He writes with Peter David, who is one of my favourite TNG authors. The characterisation is so realistic and this is the second book featuring Q I have read. The first was Q in Law. This was an audiobook with sound effects and some very funny parts....more
I really enjoyed this book, and Kate's story is an interesting one-her determination shines through-but the narrator's voice on the Kindle ebook versiI really enjoyed this book, and Kate's story is an interesting one-her determination shines through-but the narrator's voice on the Kindle ebook version of the book was slightly irritating. Overall, Louise Bagshawe has done it again, written a great novel. See more on my reading blog, www.myreadingparadise.wordpress.com....more
I enjoyed the film and the beginning of this book. I love perfumes, and liked the storyline, but I didn't like the narrator 's voice and it made the bI enjoyed the film and the beginning of this book. I love perfumes, and liked the storyline, but I didn't like the narrator 's voice and it made the book monotonous. I'll admit, though, that the descriptions are great, but soon get long-winded. I abandoned the book at chapter 24 of 95 (I listened to the audiobook.) I found myself just losing interest. ...more
Lucy in the Sky is my second Paige Toon book. After having loved her latest one, Seven Summers, I decided IDewey’s 24 Hour Readathon April 2024 book 1
Lucy in the Sky is my second Paige Toon book. After having loved her latest one, Seven Summers, I decided I wanted to start at the beginning with her books and try to listen to them all.
Lucy in the Sky was a romantic story that was realistic. I liked Lucy and her friends. Her relationship with her mother was heartwarming and I felt sad about her father. I would have loved more backstory about both of them. I really liked Nathan and I didn’t like James as I thought he was unkind, unsupportive and patronizing at times.
I’ve never been to Australia or Sydney, and would love to go someday. I enjoyed Lucy’s and Nathan’s story and journey in life and love. London is a special place for me since I was born there and I have been to Windsor Castle too.
London, Sydney or Spain, this book has some great locations.
The writing style was quick and concise and it was a personal touch that this audiobook is both written and narrated by Paige Toon.
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