The Ice Cream Girls by Dorothy Koomson

Synopsis

Serena, a loving mother of two kids and wife of doctor Evan. But she had a dark secret that she had "forgotten" to mention to her husband before they got married.

As usual, secret tend to have ways of worming up from the grave and Serena family serenity is being threaten with the notorious Poppy being release from prison. Poppy was imprison for murder.

As teenager, Poppy and Serena, were linked as the glamorous "Ice Cream Girls". They were in court for murder. Poppy was convicted while Serena was acquainted. Despite that being the case, Serena was haunted all her life by the court. Strangers would harass her.

Now Poppy is out, Serena's life is about to turn upside down again. Poppy is out to set the record straight.

My comments : 

I have a love and hate relationship with this book. So far I have bought and read three of her books and I had loved them However, this book is different.

I hated the cruelty, emotional torture and the feeling of helplessness in this book. From the beginning to the end, the feeling of helplessness lingers. I wish I can change the story here and there a bit to make life not so horrible for both Serena and Poppy.

However, I salute the author for having the stomach to write this book. It must have been hard to write on this topic. I love the way, she brings the readers step by step on what was life for both Serena and Poppy.

Overall  for me this is a good read but not for those who are prone to depression.

THe Duke and I by Julia Quinn

Synopsis

This is a historical romance where our heroine, Daphne, had endured two seasons in London. She had hope to marry for love unfortunately most of the eligible bachelors of the Tons viewed her as a good friend.

Then in come Simon Bassett, her eldest brother's good friend. He had just inherited the title of the Duke and being huntedby the mothers who have daughter who are of marriable age.

To deflect the their attention, the Duke had proposed to Daphne that they pretend to be "courting". His attention to Daphne would certainly makes her more popular and ensure suitors clamouring for her.

However, their plans back fired when Daphne fell in love with him for real. Will the Duke be able to overcome his problem and accept Daphne?

My Comments :

It has been quite some time that I have read delicious historical romance. Judith McNaught had all along been one of my favourite historical romance author. However, the recent few books of hers that I had read were not up to my expectation.

I think I saw Julia Quinn's books in the Big Bad Wolf Sale. Hmmm...not sure whether I did grab her books or not. Have to check my record book. Hope I didn't buy duplicate when I went to BookXcess for their Mid Year Sale last week.

Anyway, I have just finished reading this book and am delighted to find that this Julia Quinn is some how refreshing reads. Something similar to Judith McNaught books and yet it lends a new breath to historical romance. Rather elegant and not too trashy as some romance does.

The author certainly have a flare with words making the characters rather lively and amusing. I love the way Duke and Daphne batter with each other. The combination of her cheeky siblings makes the book fun to read. For me, this book is a page turner.

I love the way she hinted about the mysterious Lady Whistledown.

Overall this is a good read for me and I rate it 4 stars out of 5.