The Wedding

The Wedding by Julie Garwood, was another romance novel. (Not the Danielle Steel kind, more like a romance comedy). I borrowed this book from my mom actually. After reading The Chocolate Lovers' Club, I had stopped reading for a while and really wanted something quick and easy to read.

This was a perfect book for that. It's not the world's greatest literature, but it was interesting and captivating. Set in Scotland in the 11th Century, the setting provided a lot of interest in the book. I've always loved books set in the Middle Ages, and this was no exception. I have no idea how accurate the portrayal of the times was (probably not very), but I didn't really care.

It's a love story between 2 unlikely people, but they end up being a perfect match for each other. The romance was a little mushy, but not explicit (again, an improvement from the Chocolate Lovers' Club). It's your typical romantic comedy, where they fight and hate each other at the beginning. Lots of misunderstandings cause problems, but in the end, everything works out.

If you're looking for a cheap, easy romance to read, I would recommend this one!

The Chocolate Lovers' Club

I read this book forever ago, but just never got around to posting about it. Maybe that's because it wasn't my all time favorite book. It was ok, a very easy read, but not really my cup of tea. I've never seen Sex in the City, but as I read this book, I felt like it was a British version of Sex in the City. (Take that for what it's worth). There are 5 Brits who become friends through their mutual love of chocolate. I love chocolate myself, but not enough to go to an expensive chocolate shop and eat it all the time with my friends.

I guess that's why this book was hard for me; I couldn't relate to a single character. Not one. I don't think it was because they were Brits (actually, there was one American, but she lived there, so whatever!). Anyway, the book is basically about each of their problems and how they help each other deal with them. There's romance, infidelity, comedy, drama, etc. all throughout the book. Even though there was a lot going on, it wasn't like I was dying to find out what happened next.

If Sex in the City is your thing and you like lots of romance and drama, read this book. If not--don't waste your time!

Rebecca

A colleague of mine gave me this book last year, thinking I might enjoy reading it. Well, I finally got around to reading it and I did really enjoy it. Daphne du Maurier wrote it in 1939 I believe. She also wrote "The Birds" (movie by Alfred Hitchcock). Apparently, Alfred Hitchcock made Rebecca into a movie too, so I'm going to have to check it out on Netflix.

Anyway, I just knew this book was considered a classic. I didn't know anything about it. Don't let the Alfred Hitchcock connection throw you; it's not scary at all. There are definitely suspenseful parts, but it's not a scary book. I think it's considered a romantic mystery.

It's a story of a young girl (her name is never mentioned in the book) who meets a fellow Brit while in Monte Carlo. This gentleman is much older than she and had his wife die about a year before. He was very wealthy, living on an estate called Manderley. I pictured Manderley like Mr. Darcy's estate in the most recent Pride and Prejudice (except a little warmer). Having lived in England, I saw a couple old estates myself (from the gate of course, we weren't allowed in!). But the concept fascinates me--having so much wealth and servants to do everything. Anyway, Maxim (the man) falls in love with the girl and marries her. He takes her home to Manderley. She thinks it'll be wonderful there, but quickly realizes that she is nothing like Maxim's first wife. The house is still run how Rebecca would have run it. Rebecca was this and Rebecca was that. She is constantly comparing herself to Rebecca, although she never talks to Maxim about it.

There are tons of things that happen, but basically, there is mystery around Rebecca's death that doesn't really get solved til the end. I won't say what happens, but I will say this: I should have expected the outcome, but for some reason I didn't. I think du Maurier is that good of a writer. She just had me reading and reading to find out what would happen next. I loved the book. It was an excellent book and I highly recommend it!