Two Lipsticks and a Lover - Helena Frith Powell

A book I read months ago and forgot to list. A lightly diverting book exploring the secret of the French woman's style, by a young English woman who moved to South of France with her husband for a lifestyle change. I only remember fragments now - of the French woman's obsession with expensive lingerie, of eating well but lightly, of the importance of dressing well both in and out of the home, etc.

Excursion to Tindari - Andrea Camilleri

My introduction to the Inspector Montalbano series, translated from Italian, set in Sicily. Wry and dark humour, with a funny and interesting protagonist who loves food and is a deep thinker. Entertaining.

A Thousand Splendid Suns - Khaled Hosseini

Finally I get around to reading this much talked about book, whilst the author's previous "The Kite Runner" still sits on my shelves unread. I didn't cry the buckets of tears that my friends did, but it's certainly a heart-tuggingly sad story set in Afghanistan's war-torn history. Often, reading such books, I just get angry at the senseless human cost of war and subjugation of women. Ah well.

An Instinct for the Kill - Antonella Gambotto

A series of interviews from this Australian journalist. Uncompromisingly revealing, no punches pulled, riveting interviews of various famous and infamous personalities. She is merciless in shining her spotlight and digging out intimate details - I would be rather nervous of being her interview subject. She is equally ruthless, affectionate, respectful, personal, intimate. A great read.

Picture Perfect - Jodi Picoult

An earlier book by this author. A woman loses her memory and is claimed by her husband, a famous handsome film star whom she doesn't remember, bringing her back to a larger than life existence of luxury. Interesting storyline which drew me to read the book, but not as compelling as Jodi Picoult's later books.