Picture Perfect by Kate Forster

This most certainly has shades of Lace by Shirley Conran, a book turned into a TV mini series ( not sure if anyone knows or remembers it, because it aired in 1984).

Picture Perfect has the same kind of Hollywood flare that Lace had, and that one would expect from a Jackie Collins novel.

The reader follows the story of two best friends,  who are drawn to each other in an attempt to find some sort of comfort and support. They are both children in dysfunctional family situations, suffering abuse and neglect, and with no obvious way out.

One of them winds up pregnant, and that sets a series of events in motion, which will have an impact on both of them in the future.

In the midst of this brassy, emotional and glitzy story there is also an intricate look at the relationship between birth mother, adoptive mother and child.

Adopted children, who don't know anything about their birth parents, often feel as if something is missing. There is this need to know and need for closure. This is how and why Shay's daughter ends up looking for her birth mother. Kept in the dark by her adoptive parents, she is on a mission to find the woman who couldn't keep her.

I liked the way Forster handled the whole 'coming back for you' aspect of the story. Instead of adults filled with selfishness and interested in their own gratification, Forster has created characters, who choose in the best interest of the child.

Simultaneously the reader is treated to a whirlwind combination of relationships and romances. The thrill of young love, the complicated love between a loner and a player, and the erratic romance between a widower and a hardcore cynic.

P.S: I have to admit to getting a little teary-eyed about the dog, it was such an endearing sub-plot.

Buy Picture Perfect at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer.

Read The Last Will and Testament of Daphne Le Marche by Kate Forster.

The Girl from Cobb Street by Merryn Allingham

Allingham gives the reader and interesting insight into the strict and oppressive rules amongst the British military in India. The unwritten rules of society and class structure.

The wives must always bow down to the will of the wife, who is married to the higher ranking soldier. Any slight, insult or offence committed by any wife can have a knock-on effect on the husband and his career.

Then there are the rules about associating with the natives or the Indian officers, even the so-called Anglo-Indians are off-limits for the British officers and wives.

A very racist and biased environment, which probably also played a role in the revolt of the native population.

The women are expected to be waited on hand and foot by servants, regardless of whether they can do or are used to doing certain work themselves. Everything is about image and perception.

Daisy finds it hard to deal with doing nothing at all and refuses to tow the line like the other women. She starts finding herself in precarious situations and odd accidents start to happen. Until she suspects that the accidents aren't just coincidences. Daisy finds herself mixed up in an unexpected and dangerous situation with no salvation in sight.

At the end of this first book in the Daisy's War series I think it is fair to say that as a reader I would like to delve more deeply into the story of Daisy's parentage. Her story seems to infer a connection to India, one that would explain her less than English rose complexion perhaps.
I received a copy of this book courtesy of Harlequin UK and Harlequin MIRA.

When I met You by Jemma Forte

Oh holiday romances, the bane of  an over-active imagination, too much sun, alcohol and lack of judgement.

I can understand how Marianne mistakenly thinks her holiday hot stuff will work in her home setting, because she is simply deluded and blinded by the romantic memories she clings to.

Hot stuff turns out to be all fluffy flab with the attitude of a squatter. Unfortunately he comes to stay and much like a bad smell, he lingers in the background throughout the entire dramatic story.

This story is about leaving the mistakes of the past behind and forgiveness. It is also about believing in yourself and having the courage to take a step towards new ventures.

Marianne lives within the huge shadow of her beautiful sister Hayley, despite a lack of musical talent their mother thinks Hayley is the next star upon the horizon. Marianne has gotten used to being the plan one, the boring one, the one who is expected to play it safe.

All that changes when her father turns up out of the blue, after many years of being absent. Having to deal with his terminal illness and the lies her mother constructed around his disappearance, is the last drop of water in an already overfilled barrel. Things start to unravel and certain family relationships are in danger of being destroyed forever.

Forte takes a close look at the complex inner workings of a patchwork family and the complicated relationships that go with it.

I received a free copy of this book courtesy of Harlequin UK & Harlequin MIRA.