https://www.facebook.com/martin.turner.9210 https://twitter.com/SallySwann

The Voyages of the Princess Matilda

Paperback, 384 pages

Published March 28th 2013 by Random House UK, Ebury Publishing

Shane Spall has written this about her and her husband, the actor Timothy Spall, had various adventures in their boat The Princess Matilda. The events take place after Tim has recovered from suffering life-threatening leukemia, the story of which is mirrored in this light, humourous and touching tale of how they came by the boat and the journey that they took. This is an uplifting story and shows that life has to be treated with respect and made the most of. How many times are we reminded that we never know what is round the corner, so live for the present... A lovely read and well put together. Whether you know who Timothy Spall is or not, this is far from being a "celebrity" based book and can be enjoyed by all. I would recommend it.

Country Bride: A Classic American Romance

by Debbie Macomber

Hardcover, 224 pages

Expected publication: April 1st 2014 by Severn House Publishers

This is clearly a book aimed at women but whether it hits the spot with women of today is another matter. Set in small town America,it could just as well have been set 100 years ago for the values it seems to portray, or is it just that, as a male reader, I look at things differently. Whether women like being told how they feel and what they should do b their male counterparts is another matter entirely (surely). This is really a short story and is very easy to read and holds the reader (hence giving it a 3 rating)even if it does come to a predictable conclusion (I was hoping for some wicked twist at then end, but I was to be disappointed).

Instructions for a Heatwave

by Maggie O'Farrell

Paperback, 324 pages

Published August 2013 by Tinder Press

Once you've worked out who's who and from what generation, this is a really good family saga. There must be something in here that every family can identify with. The family are beset by all sorts of problems and disasters of which some will be resolved and others won't. Funny and sad at times, but a real gripping drama that you don't want to end. Bring on the sequel(please)!

Stay Alive

by Simon Kernick

Paperback, 352 pages

Published January 30th 2014 by Century

In the early stages it is very fast paced and gets you hooked straight away, reminiscent of "Whistle Blower" by Tess Gerritsen in the way that that starts too. However, it carries on in the same fashion throughout. This left me quite breathless - is anyone a good person in Scotland? Thoroughly enjoyable though - would probably make a good thriller for film or TV. A real "page-turner", hard to put down. I've already recommended this to others for when it comes out. Far fetched at times, but you get so caught up in the plot that you are on edge right through. Not sure about the nickname for the killer when no details of the crimes were released for public consumption, but it is hard to criticise such an enthralling thriller as this.

Night of Triumph

by Peter Bradshaw

Hardcover, 144 pages

Published January 1st 2013 by Duckworth Publishing

Fun short story really, Imagine Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret go out on the tiles on VE night and you have the premise for this story. Very tongue in cheek and a nice little read taking little time to read.

A week before Valentine's Day and I received a Tweet to say that I have won a national competition and have won the first prize - an all expenses trip to Paris!!! However, I had to keep it quiet till the following Monday - a whole three days!

Despite my excitement I managed to keep it quiet until the official announcement was made only to find that my wife doubted whether she would be able to take Friday 14th off. The threat of me having to take someone else did the trick and plans were put in place for our trip.

We were met at the ferry terminal at Dover and boarded our crossing in the first class section and were greeted with a glass of champagne each and were presented with a camera, a Paris guidebook and 250 euros. After enjoying an on board meal, we were met by our own personal chauffeur who took us all the way from Calais to our boutique Parisian hotel where we found champagne and flowers inside our room. A quick change and we were whisked off for photos around the Eiffel Tower and then another short taxi ride to our restaurant for the evening where we were treated to the most delicious meal you could imagine with the most attentive staff. A short stroll back to the hotel completed the day.

The next day, after a hearty breakfast, we had a day to explore Paris. We walked to Place de la Concord on to the Paris wheel and then wandered through La Tuileries Jardins to La Louvre. Next it was on to the boat station and a drink and a boat tour down the Seine taking in all the Parisian sites. We got a bit chilly after this, so a short metro ride took us to La Fayette department store and a couple of their speciality coffees warmed us through before making our way back to the hotel. Another metro ride and another nice meal (including frogs' legs for Carolyn) rounded off the day.

A comfortable night in the hotel, another lovely breakfast and we were whisked back in a chauffeur driven limousine to the post. C'est le week-end magnifique!