Rebecca Campbell (1) (1967–)

What was it, Andrew often wondered, about book people that made them so neglect personal hygiene? Other types of obsessive managed to change their underwear, brush their teeth, and utilise modern, effective deodorants, so why not book collectors? Books themselves, of course, could often smell so perhaps there was some semi-conscious attempt at empathy? A brotherhood of mustiness and sticky crevices?

Alice's Secret Garden begins like a fairy tale. Although set in a failing auction house in show more contemporary London, the main character, Alice, falls under a spell. She was already somewhat passive; now she sleepwalks through her days barely acknowledging the people in her path. Her co-worker, Andrew, has a crush on her, but he wouldn't mind shagging the office beauty, a mean girl named Ophelia. Andrew also has a friend, Leo, an odd looking professor who hides his loneliness behind belligerence and a quick wit. Alice, surprisingly, also has friends, especially Odette, who works in the City. A minor member of the nobility has a first edition of Audubon and Alice and Andrew are sent out to appraise it. If it's authentic, it could save the auction house. The book and its owner live in a modern glass house in the middle of the countryside, miles from anywhere and strangely gothic despite its clean lines and bright spaces. The owner is a brooding, Heathcliff-like guy who is drawn to Alice.

The story keeps its distance for the first half, sounding more like a tale than a novel. It eventually picks up, although the central story is never quite the most interesting thing. The characters are interesting, even Alice warms up as things get going, but it's the secondary characters who shine in this odd book. There's one quite unfair moment when the author hides the true state of things from only the reader, a cheap stunt to artificially create suspense, but on the whole, I liked it. show less

I couldn't even finish it!: First off let me just say that I'm not a picky reader when it comes to chiclit books. I usually love 'em all! The Shopaholic Series, Anything Jane Green, or Nic Sparks. You name it I own it! I'm also a Fashion Student and love anything involving the catwalk & designers, so when I saw this book I just had to have it! I guess now would be a good time to mention I bought this book about 5 years ago and have tried numerous times over the years to finish it! (TRY being show more the keyword) When I would take the time to read it my eyes would glaze over with boredom. The book went no where, the characters are dull, and it's just plan BORING! I ended up giving this book to Goodwill. Don't waste your money! And if you do, don't say I didn't warn you! show less

I picked this up after reading Sophie Kinsella's blurb-review. What a disappointment! Not as hilarious as I had anticipated, but a good book to pass the time.

Another English book, chosen due to Sophie Kinsella's recommendation on the cover, about a young woman who works her way up in the fashion industry and in the beginning is engaged to the boss' son. Then all goes awry. Humorous one liners throughout. (Are all English women comedians?) Cute, sweet!