Am strolling through the streets of Nairobi, headed to the salon when I came across a street vendor selling second hand books at a more than reasonable price. Of course, I had to stop. I picked up a couple of books for Levi and 2 for myself. The books I picked for myself were randomly chosen. I had not heard of the authors before and I only briefly read the descriptions. One was a love story (I was in need of one) and the other a detective story. Nice balance...don't you think? Between love and crime. Both of these books set me back Kshs 100 (slightly over 1 USD). Unbelievable especially given the pleasure I derive from reading. WAY WAY More than my money's worth!
I read the love story first. As I mentioned, I was in need of soapy, mushy story and this was to be delivered by one through DAKOTA HOME by Debbie Macomber. Turns out it's part of a whole series based on a little town [Buffalo Valley] in..you guessed it. Dakota.
Dakota Home, Dakota Born, Always Dakota, Buffalo Valley etc runs the series. After reading Dakota Home, I must say that I wouldn't mind reading the rest.
The book surprised me simply because it was not based on one love story....but a couple of them between several couples living in Buffalo Valley though one particular story is given prominence. It's a typical story with an unbelievable ending but oh well, what to do. What I liked about the book though was in between one or two love scenes, the author tells the story of the town..its slow death and eventually it's revival. That's the real story actually.
One of the secondary love stories is a story of a single mum who falls in love and the struggles involved especially with regards to her son accepting her new love. The other story I loved is one of reconciliation between a married couple on the road to a divorce. There is also the story of this cocky, rich, handsome heir who is totally thrown off by this beautiful lady who hardly cares if he exists whilst he is used to women falling all over themselves to get his attention.
One of the secondary love stories is a story of a single mum who falls in love and the struggles involved especially with regards to her son accepting her new love. The other story I loved is one of reconciliation between a married couple on the road to a divorce. There is also the story of this cocky, rich, handsome heir who is totally thrown off by this beautiful lady who hardly cares if he exists whilst he is used to women falling all over themselves to get his attention.
In conclusion...it's not your usual mundane romance novel and I have had my fair share of those...a carton or two full of Mills & Boons and Harlequins and other titles I cannot even remember.
PLOTS & ERRORS by Jill McGown
Am sure you have all heard of the phrase or cliche' "The plot thickens". Now...in this book....the plot not only thickens, it balloons into a gigantic maze that leaves the reader REELING!
I simply loved it! It's been a long time since I have been tempted to take a book to the loo cos I couldn't put it down...but to the loo we went! The book is based on a thrilling plot based on the rich and wealthy Esterbrook family
Pick it up..if you may and you will not be disappointed. That's all I'll say otherwise I will just spoil it for you. I must mention though that Jill McGown is a real detective...thus I believe, why this story or should I say PLOT is really EXCELLENT. The Esterbrooks do not disappoint.
To quote The Times (London) "McGown always manages to people her books with characters who are entirely believable, fascinating human beings. This is a rare skills....Jill McGown is one of the most seriously underrated crime novelists around". I fully agree.
And now...to my next stop by the Street Vendor's corner.
WHAT DELIGHT!!!
