Friday 12 October 2012

Book Review: Reaching for the Stars

Reaching for the Stars
by Janice Horton
Published: December 2011
Format: ebook
ASIN: B006ICFIZG

Summary
Scottish celebrity chef Finn McDuff is media stalked and disillusioned after winning his third star and losing his third wife. He decides he’s had enough of all the food campaigns, the TV cookery shows, the constant frenzy surrounding his private life and, after giving up all his accolades and closing down his restaurant, he disappears.

With the enfant terrible of the kitchen missing, two rival newspapers, having lost their media meal ticket, compete against each other to whip up further public curiosity in the missing chef. Love him or hate him, everyone is out looking for Chef McDuff. Who will find him first and whose side will you be on...?
Review
Right from the first page, this book had me hooked. Celebrity chef McDuff seemingly has it all, but faster than a soufflé can sink he loses it. His third wife has just walked out on him. That's a wife he's lost for each Golden Star. He is at the pinnacle of his career but willing to give up his coveted 3 stars to save his marriage.

Rival journalists, Raine and Ross, pursue poor Finn, each trying to out-scoop the other. Raine struggles to maintain her integrity, but Ross will do whatever it takes to get ahead. Then there is the fragile Anna, who has her own issues with Finn.

Finn is a real hero and I absolutely loved him. He reminded me of my favourite Scottish chef, the adorable Tom Kitchin. Finn is a gentleman and will go to enormous lengths not to let the people he cares about down. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will be adding Ms Horton's other novels to my TBR list.

Rating
I loved this book and give it 5 out of 5. It made me smile and left me with that satisfying 'aaah' feeling at the end.

A big thank you to Ms Horton for sending me this book to review.

13 comments:

Janice said... [Reply to comment]

Jude - thank you for reading and reviewing 'Reaching for the Stars'. I'm so thrilled that you loved Finn and excited that you enjoyed the story enough to give it five stars. You just made my day!

love, Janice xx

Sheryl Browne said... [Reply to comment]

Yay! I love Janice's writing! FABulous review, sweetie! Well-deserved! :) xx

Jude said... [Reply to comment]

@Janice Horton You're welcome Janice. It was a really fun read. x

Jude said... [Reply to comment]

Hi @Sheryl Loved it. Can't wait to read Bagpipes & Bullshot now. :)

Melanie said... [Reply to comment]

Loved Reaching for the Stars! Brilliant review for a brilliantly written book.

Melanie said... [Reply to comment]

Bagpipes & Bullshot is a brilliant read! You'll love it!
@Jude

Linn B Halton and Lucy Coleman said... [Reply to comment]

I've read all three of Janice's books and she amazing! I love the contemporary Scottish feel she brings to her stories and her 'speaking' voice as a writer is unforgettable. A wonderful review, I enjoyed reading this, thanks!

Janice said... [Reply to comment]

Oh wow - I'm overwhelmed this morning and very happy to read these generous comments. It's hard work being a writer but a review like this one and readers enjoying my books makes everything worth while. Thanks everyone. Much appreciated. xxx

Anonymous said... [Reply to comment]

Great review! Thanks for sharing. Looks like a fab read!

Jude said... [Reply to comment]

Thanks @Melanie, glad you enjoyed the review, and yes it is a brilliant book. Defo looking forward to Bagpipes & Bullshot. x

Jude said... [Reply to comment]

Hi @Linn B Halton, thanks for the lovely comment. It's always a joy to discover a writer whose work you really enjoy. x

Jude said... [Reply to comment]

Hi @Stephanie Keyes, thanks for taking the time to stop by and leave such a lovely comment. x

Jude said... [Reply to comment]

Hi @Janice Horton, the comments from your readers are lovely, and you deserve them. It's a fab book. Lots of love. J x

Related Posts with Thumbnails