Holly's Inbox: Scandal in the City by Holly Denham

I really enjoyed Holly's Inbox, published in 2009, so when I saw there was a sequel, I knew I needed to read it.
Holly's still working at DK Huerst (the bank) as a receptionist, and she's still with Toby, though it's a bit awkward as he spends a great deal of time in France for work so Holly feels like she rarely sees him. It definitely causes a strain in their relationship.
The rest of the cast of characters have returned as well: Trisha, the veteran receptionist Holly sits next to but can't speak with; Marie, the switchboard operator; Claire, the slightly ditsy upper floor receptionist; friends Jason and Aisha; and family. Holly's also faced with new challenges, including Tanya Mason, head of catering services at the company, with whom things turn ugly when Tanya shows interest in Toby.
One of Holly's biggest challenges is when she's temporarily made Front of House manager (managing the room reservations and the receptionists). She's excited and nervous about this advancement, even though it could be only temporary, but does her best to ensure it becomes a permanent position. Nothing is ever as easy as she would like it to be (and it wouldn't make for interesting reading otherwise) but Holly handles it the best she can.
Holly matures a bit in this book; her relationship with Toby makes her excited about taking on the challenge of the new job and wanting to excel at it, and other changes in her personal life cause her to rethink much of what she's done and thought before.
I really enjoy how quickly the book moves, since it's written in all emails. It's fast, it's breezy reading, it's light and enjoyable. I wanted something different to read since I've been reading so many dystopian novels lately and Holly's Inbox: Scandal in the City definitely fit that bill. I'm hoping there's another book to follow up with Holly's life because I'm really enjoying knowing her.

whoops

Double whoops: I started this post in February and yet somehow never got around to completing it.
Perhaps my goal should be to update once a month. I might be able to handle that. Maybe.
Just because I'm not posting certainly doesn't mean I'm not reading. Finished recently (really just within my memory): Forever Princess by Meg Cabot, Ransom My Heart by Mia Thermopolis (aka Meg Cabot), Moloka'i by Alan Brennert, and Looks by Madeleine George.
I enjoyed that Cabot linked Forever Princess and Ransom My Heart, the latter being Mia's senior project, a historical romance in medieval England. The main character in Ransom My Heart, in my limited Cabot-reading experience, was different from most of Cabot's heroines in that she was a little more assertive, a little less wishy-washy. However, Finn still didn't think she was much to look at, which is a trait most of Cabot's main characters share. It is a good story, about a girl who kidnaps an earl (but doesn't know he's an earl), and it's a little racy, there being some sex scenes in it (which has Mia rather concerned when she thinks about sharing it with her friends). Definitely an engrossing story, well written and moves at a decent pace. Forever Princess, sadly the last in the Princess Diaries series (sadly for me anyway, I love those stories), begins at the end of Mia's senior year. She's trying to decide what college to go to, whether or not she wants to go to prom, what to do about JP, what to do about turning 18, you know, what to do about life in general. A rather large shocker (and perhaps what turns Mia back to her diary, as she hasn't written in it since her junior year) is that her ex-boyfriend Michael shows up back in New York. Mia has to ask herself, is she really over Michael? Is JP definitely The One? Or is Mia just as confused as she's always been? A happy ending for Princess Diaries fans, but the book definitely should get scooched to the Young Adult area--there's more than just talk about sex in this one.
Moloka'i by Alan Brennert is, as one of my colleagues described it, a character driven story, and Rachel is an intriguing, funny, determined character. I'll be the first to admit that I often do not read books typically chosen by book clubs, but after the insistence and positive reviews of a friend, as well as my own obsession and interest in Hawaiian history, I gave in and read the book. I am very glad that I did. Rachel contracts leprosy at the age of 7 and is sent to a hospital outside of Honolulu. When she fails to get any better, she is sent to the island of Molokai, where most leprosy patients are sent essentially to die. Thankfully, her uncle is on the island, so she is not completely disconnected from all family and that makes being there as such a young girl a little easier. Rachel grows older on the island, adventures out with other teenage girls, gets a job, falls in love, and attempts to live as normal a life as possible, trapped as she is. Major events in Hawaiian history pass over and around the people on Molokai, often not finding out until much later what occurred. This novel is driven by Rachel, so if you begin the novel and do not enjoy her character or are expecting something BIG to happen, you'll not enjoy the book. It is well written and moving and a rewarding read. Highly recommended, if you enjoy well developed characters and are happy to watch a character's life.
Looks by Madeleine George is a tale of a fat girl and a skinny girl, to put it bluntly. Meghan spends her life trying to blend in to the scenery, trying to be ignored, trying to walk past the bullies who tease and torment her, just trying to get to her classes. Meghan is a watcher, she watches and listens to what goes on at the school and speaks as little as possible. Twig thin Aimee is new to the school and is looking for something to enjoy, something to be a part of, and finds Cara and the school's literary journal. Meghan tries to warn Aimee about Cara, but Aimee is a little freaked out by the girl who watches people and appears to have no friends. When Cara does something Aimee finds unforgivable, she and Meghan team up to bring revenge on Cara (and as a bonus for Meghan, humiliate the jock who spends his time torturing Meghan). This is a short book but powerful with strong characters that does not focus on the girls' eating disorders, though there are a couple of scenes that dramatize the hungry--Aimee and her taunting carrot sticks, refusing to allow herself to eat them, and Meghan eating and eating to calm down and not feel so empty. Does their revenge turn out the way they would like? Is revenge the best way to feel better? It sounds great when planning it, but both girls learn that sometimes you can't take things back. Excellent reading.
That's it for this short post; on to the next one to cover some of what I read in the rest of February.
I remain, the (procrastinating) Savage Librarian.

read, read, ready

The Glass of Time by Michael Cox, Persuasion by Jane Austen, The Queen Geek Social Club by Laura Preble, and None But You by Susan Kaye. Those are just the ones I can remember having read recently. There might be more but of course, my list is not anywhere convenient as I write this.
The Glass of Time is a fantastic story. I really enjoyed it (I was worried too much would hinge on having read The Meaning of Night--which I have but am unable to remember much of it--but it does not). Esperanza is a well drawn character with an interesting task before her. How many of us could have a task in which we are required to move from our home to another country, take a position that is beneath us (Esperanza is raised well but is required to become a lady's maid), all without questioning the purpose of being there. For there most definitely is a purpose. Esperanza is to accomplish the Great Task while working as Lady Tansor's lady's maid. Esperanza adjusts to her life in England fairly easily; she is enamored of one of her ladyship's sons (naturally) and most of the characters are well drawn and real. Perhaps Esperanza's implicit and unquestioning trust in her guardian, who sends her to Lady Tansor, is a little naive. But being 19, Esperanza treats it as an game of adventure and soon finds that it is no game. It's an exciting story as orphaned Esperanza discovers more about her past from her mother's journals and stories of her father's journeys through his friends, and when she puts the pieces together, Esperanza discovers who she is. And it's different from what she thought. There's a little in the book that relates to Edwin Glyvver, so those looking for a little more information on him won't be disappointed. Truthfully, parts of the story are rather predictable, but other parts throw the reader a bit of a loop. Definitely a worthwhile read.
Persuasion, book 6 of 6, and I have finally finished reading my Austen novels. It was even before the new year began. As with P&P, there's something wonderfully familiar about Persuasion and coming back to it is like spending time with a good friend. Anne Elliot is still one of my favorite heroines, Captain Wentworth a worthy and realistic hero. Of course he's still hurt that Anne did not follow through on her engagement with him. But he wants no other, and I think one of my favorite lines from literature is Anne saying, "The only privilege I claim for my sex is that of loving longest when all hope is gone" (I'm paraphrasing as I haven't the book in front of me). In my limited experience, that's been true. It's sigh worthy.
The Queen Geek Social Club is a fun book, though I question the motives of one of the characters. There are two other books with Shelby and Becca, and I certainly will read the next two. Shelby is a geek. She's pretty, funny, smart, kind, but just doesn't seem able to make many girl friends. She's a serial dater, dating simply to date, but unable to make a connection with any of the guys she goes out with (most likely because they're only interested in her breasts). Then Becca moves to town and almost immediately, she and Shelby hit it off. Shelby is content to have Becca, her very good friend, and that's all she really needs. But Becca ... Becca is different. She jokes about world domination, and decides to start the Queen Geek Social Club, so that she and Shelby will have others 'of their kind' to hang otu with and have an influence upon school society. Their first project is to feed models junkfood. Yes, they want to feed models Twinkies. At first Shelby thinks it's all a laugh but begins to worry that Becca's not interested in Shelby as a friend, that Shelby isn't good enough, and that she's just looking for a better friend. We've all had those kinds of insecurities. On top of it all, her widower Dad starts dating and she's becoming unusually obsessed with a guy--not something Shelby does. Naturally it all works out in the end, but there are enough questions about what happens next to get me interested in the next book, Queen Geeks in Love. I love my geeky chick lit.
None But You by Susan Kaye is the first part of a two part story of Persuasion from Captain Wentworth's point of view. The first book ends at Uppercross, just after Wentworth has dropped off Anne and Henrietta after the terrible news about Louisa. I enjoyed it because the reader gets to spend a bit more time with Wentworth's sister and brother-in-law as well as some of the occurrences on the Musgroves' side of things, their dread at sister-in-law Mary and the pleasure they take from Anne's company. I think the second book, For You Alone, is due to be released sometime in the spring. I'll keep my eye out for that one.
Finally I'm in the midst (and nearly middle) of reading At Face Value by Emily Franklin, a Cyrano de Bergerac tale starring Cyrie, and intelligent, witty, sometimes occasionally mean (she's really just dishing it back) high school senior with a larger & longer than average nose. She's planning on surgery to shrink it on her 18th birthday, which will be January 1st. It will be interesting to see if she goes through with it and how the relationship budding between her pretty friend Leyla and Cyrie's crush Eddie (everybody else calls him Rox) will work out. Definitely enjoying it so far.
So, until I've piled a pile of finished books, I remain,
the Savage librarian.

Of Rats and Princes

Two books to discuss today, Emmy and the Incredible Shrinking Rat by Lynne Jonell and The Little Lady Agency and the Prince by Hester Browne.
Emmy Addison is a small girl in school who feels ignored by her classmates and even her teacher. Her family inherited a pile of money and so her parents are often traveling around the world instead of staying home with Emmy. Emmy is in the care of her nanny, Miss Barmy. Miss Barmy is not the Mary Poppins type nanny, but rather the foul type one, the one who makes you take nasty medicine and signs you up for all kinds of after school activities you're just not interested in. Emmy discovers one day in class (when no one is paying attention to her) that she can understand the pet rat in the classroom. And he certainly has some interesting things to say. There's an odd shop on Emmy's way from school and she wanders in there one day to see what's there (the shop is called The Antique Rat), only to overhear Miss Barmy requesting something of the shopkeeper with all the rodents in the back. These rodents are special and each has an amazing ability, as Emmy's new friend Joe finds out when the class rat shrinks him. Needless to say, Miss Barmy is up to no good with the various rodents and their powers and it's up to Emmy, Joe, and the Shrinking Rat to stop her. Fun, quick read, good for kids grades 3-5.
My impatient waiting for Hester Browne's new book, The Little Lady Agency and the Prince, was rewarded by a great read. I was excited to see Melissa Romney-Jones back and in marriage discussions with Jonathan Riley. Also keeping up her fabulous agency, helping the fashion-challenged and just all around manners and behaviorially challenged. Mel's Granny asks a huge favor of her; Mel is supposed to help tame a playboy prince so his grandfather can get the family castle back and be invited to their country of Hollenberg once more. At first wary of Nicky upon their first meeting, Mel is never one to turn down a challenge and uses all of her fabulous Honey skills to reign this prince in. Jonathan, surprisingly, has no problem with Mel prancing about in the papers with this man (a big difference from Little Lady, Big Apple). He is currently in Paris, opening the estate agency's new office there. Mel visits on weekends and they plan on Mel moving over there in the fall. Mel's a little reluctant to do so, but wouldn't imagine telling Jonathan that. Eventually, a weekend goes terribly, terribly wrong in Paris, and there are two people who help Mel get home in one (though hungover) piece: Nelson (ever the admirable Nelson) and Prince Nicky. Mel's got herself in it this time (along with planning Emery's baby's christening/naming ceremony which continually gets pushed back, and just dealing with her family in general) but is always in control whether as Honey or Mel. Ever entertaining, quick reads.
Side note: X-Files: I Want to Believe made me want to believe that Chris Carter can do better with an X-Files movie, but there won't be anymore after this film. Not a bad film, as films go, but from a fan point of view, it's not very X-Filey. (Except the Mulder/Scully relationship bit, which fans appreciate, I'm sure.) If you're a die-hard fan, I'm tempted to advise you to pass on this film and if you weren't interested in the show before, this won't interest you. Disappointing, despite how nice it was to see Mulder & Scully (and Skinner!) again.
The Savage Librarian recommends you keep reading. Have good ones.

Yellow Cats, Red Apples, Green Dresses

Ottoline and the Yellow Cat by Chris Riddell is a neat story about Ottoline, left at her Big City apartment with Mr Munroe, a small, hairy creature (think Cousin It, only shorter and with more visible legs). Ottoline's about 10 years old and her parents travel over the world collecting some very odd things (in a postcard from her mother, Ottoline is reminded to dust the 4 spouted tea pot). With such parents, Ottoline has two budding collections of her own, her Odd Shoe collection (she buys a pair of shoes and will only wear one of the shoes and put the other in the collection, so Riddell's illustrations of her have her walking about with odd shoes on her feet) and her Postcard collection, containing what her parents send her. She seems to miss her parents, but it is not a story for pining, as observant Ottoline has discovered a similarity between burglaries taking place in her neighborhood. Using Mr Munroe to help infiltrate the gang responsible for the jewel thievery, Ottoline cracks the case! A fun read, with detailed illustrations, a neat little mystery, and good for the quiet types. Recommended for 3-5 graders.
Little Lady, Big Apple by Hester Browne is the second book with Melissa Romney-Jones, organizer extraordinaire, and her lovely little agency that sorts out some men's lives. Per the agreement between Melissa and beau Jonathan, 'Honey' no longer steps out on the town with her clients to act as a girlfriend. Melissa's business is still booming and she's found plenty to keep her busy. Her family, ever blissful, has a bit of a shock when older sister Allegra arrives in pomp at the family home. Seems her husband Lars has been up to a few things he should not have been up to. Mel's best friend Nelson (still kind of dating Gabi) has found an opportunity to boss about underprivileged kids on a tall ship, so will be gone for 3 months. And has decided to have the flat entirely re-done, leaving Mel with nowhere to go for a month. Jonathan gets a promotion and must now jet back and forth between London and New York, and needs to spend a large chuck of time setting up in New York. When Jonathan discovers Mel's new homelessness, he tells her to take a holiday and come to New York. After much uncertainty (especially over who will take care of the business), Mel goes. And it is in New York that she meets Jonathan's friends (also his ex-wife's friends) and deals with his go-getting, workaholic attitude. His slightly dismissive attitude about her Agency gets under her skin, and it's a wonder if they will work it out. Well told, entertaining, swift pace, and I can't wait to read The Little Lady Agency and the Prince, currently waiting for me on hold at my public library. Recommended for those who aren't quite ready to admit they like chick lit.
On DVD: The Other Boleyn Girl. Yes, it's been on DVD for a bit, now, but I just got a chance to watch it again. I did see this film in theaters and was jarred by some of the historical inaccuracies, but watching it again as a story, as just to watch it, I enjoyed it. Natalie Portman brings out a side of Anne Boleyn that I had never envisioned before (terrified of the wrath of Henry VIII, small, insecure) and Scarlett Johansson is very good as the patient, though perhaps a bit naive, Mary Boleyn. Beautiful costumes, wonderful use of scenery, and a brooding Eric Bana. Recommended.
In the process of reading Emmy and the Incredible Shrinking Rat by Lynne Jonell (I can't read two books at once, so the Hester Browne will wait), and the DVD of Stop-Loss waiting to be watched at home. I missed that one in theaters and am really intrigued by the story. I hope it's good. Will post when I've finished ... something. In the meantime, I remain your Savage Librarian.

The Little Lady

You know, there are certain 'endearments' and 'pet names' I find kind of demeaning. Little Lady is one of them, but remarkably, Hester Browne's character Mel turns it into a whole job.
Melissa bounces from temp job to temp job and is trying to find some permanent use for her organizing abilities and skills. She gets caught up in something a bit tawdry and as naive as she is, she doesn't realize it's bad thing until the bad thing starts to happen. So. Being the proper and intrepid British Miss she is, she starts her own business, the Little Lady Agency in which Melissa transforms into Honey Blennerhesket, a flirtatious, easy going, life of the party young woman who will clean up bachelors ("Homme Improvement"), buy presents for mothers, girlfriends, and families of bewildered men, as well as pose as a date for those who don't want the fuss of an actual relationship. Mel's own family situation is somewhat nightmarish and owes her father (an MP) a fairly substantial sum so is working to pay it back. Her younger sister is getting married. Her mother is essentially her father's secretary and treats her not so grandly. Mel gets into her own trouble when she starts to fall for one of her clients and begins blurring the lines between work and her actual life and even wonders if perhaps the one for her may be her flatmate.
A quick, fun read, The Little Lady Agency is a good light summer read, chick lit with a little bit of brains and a boost to our self-esteem. I've picked up the second book, Little Lady, Big Apple which I'll read as soon as I finish Stop in the Name of Pants! (Yes, it finally came in and I'm already half way through it. It shouldn't take me more than a couple of days at the most.) It's pretty neat (and annoying) when one book leads to the next and you get caught up in a character's life and are eager to read the next one ....
Keep reading and in the meantime I remain your wrapped in a book Savage librarian.