BOOK REVIEW: The Playground by Julia Kelly

Eve is putting her life together again.
Her partner has walked out on her.
She's moved into a tiny flat on the outskirts of Dublin.
She has no job.
But she does have her beloved baby daughter and there's a little playground across the street. It's a tired spot for teenagers and tramps, but Eve is determined to make this new life work. Alongside her interfering lodger and a group of local mums she swings into action to make the playground the heart of the community.
But not all games are innocent- and not all friends are true. When a terrible accident is blamed on her, Eve must forge her own independence- and realise that the playground is not a place to hide from adulthood. 

Publisher: Quercus

Pages: 272

The Playground is the first book that I have read by Julia Kelly  but I very much enjoyed it.
Her writing style is quite disjointed but this just adds to the overall feel of the book. She does't necessarily want you to curl up and have a cosy time; she almost sets out to challenge you as a reader.
Eve's life is in turmoil, her partner Joe has walked out on her and their three year old daughter Addie. Her self-esteem is at an all time low and due to money worries they have had to leave their family home and move to a small flat in Bray. Eve just wants to make everything right for Addie who she loves more than life. So when an opportunity arises to improve the playground across the road, she jumps right in, not knowing what the consequences will be.
I can't really compare this book to any others I have read; I found Julia Kelly's narration original and absorbing. Eve is a fantastic character; there are times when we get almost a stream of conciousness from her which was very enlightening but almost made her seem even more vulnerable as I felt that I knew so much about her.
The Playground is a very enticing story that quickly draws you in. Julia Kelly is highly descriptive in her writing so it is easy to become absorbed in the world that she has created; I would highly recommend this book.

Many thanks to Quercus for sending me a review copy, The Playground is out now! 

Book Review: Take a Look at Me Now by Miranda Dickinson

When Nell's on-off boyfriend Aidan calls her into his office, the last thing she expects is to lose her job. Heartbroken and unemployed, she makes a radical decision to blow her redundancy cheque and escape to San Francisco. But is the glamour of the city too good to be true? And can Nell leave her past behind?

I have enjoyed Miranda Dickinson's latest book so much. Take a Look at Me Now is a lovely, aspirational, entertaining and warm read. The only problem I had with it is that I now want to live in San Francisco!
Nell has lost her job, the shock made even worse by it being her on-off boyfriend firing her. Armed with her redundancy pay-out, Nell heads off to San Francisco where her cousin Lizzie is based. 8 weeks should be long enough to come up with a plan of action but the problem may be that she won't want to come back.
I have enjoyed all of the books I have read by Miranda Dickinson. Nell, like Miranda's other female characters is well, rounded, likeable and
more importantly, believable. Nell is worried about losing her job but she is not desperate to carry on in the same career. She has always wanted to run her own American diner so where better to do some research then one of the greatest American cities?
My favourite part of the book was San Francisco . Miranda's enthusiasm and in-depth research was clear to see. I felt that she really brought the city alive in the book and I found myself researching the places that explores during her visit.
I would highly recommend Take a Look at Me Now. Miranda Dickinson's writing is up-lifting and entertaining; I think she brings a breath of fresh air to this genre and I'm already excited about her future books.

Dot Scribbles Rating: 5/5

Pages: 416

Publisher: Avon

Take a Look at Me Now is out October 24th!!!