The story of Rooke’s journey is set in the 18th century but, is one that all can relate to in modern times. His passions, his doubts when making decisions, his indecisions about following command when required by his superiors and the joys he receives from simple, daily occurrences. The book has plots based on colonial and naval expeditions, which, although fascinating yet slightly disturbing, come secondary to his story. The author really captivates the reader’s mind through the emotional evolvement of Rooke’s personality and it is something I find most endearing about his character. As a history graduate, I found the context of the book very intriguing. Naval history is a subject I know little about, but I do know expeditions to new colonies in the 18th century were not exactly similar to the adventure movies filmed in Hollywood. I think this context adds to the empathy the reader feels for the character and the decisions he makes throughout the book. The Lieutenant is an intelligent, thought provoking read that makes my mind wonder to a hut on a rock in New South Wales, stars glistening in the sky and a young man wondering what destiny awaits him.

Available from Amazon.com in the USA and Amazon.co.uk in the UK.

After months of being charmed by English banker Patrick in a whirl-wind romance, Catherine takes the plunge and agrees to move in with him: Not only agrees to move in with him, but, leave her life in New York and move over 3000 miles across the Atlantic to London to be with the man she loves. She had finally found her Prince Charming and was looking forward to the happily ever after that all girls long for. However, 2 days before her move to London, Catherine received the dreaded “I never want to see you again” email from Patrick, who insisted they meet up on her arrival to discuss the break-up. Ironically, choosing the Bleeding Heart restaurant to tell her the reason she has been dumped is her lack of focus in life, making her an “unreliable” partner. Now she has to start a new life in a new city, with no boyfriend, no apartment, no job. Luckily things soon start look to up when she moves in with the bold and brash Victoria, starts writing for a column for a top, national newspaper and her search to find Mr Right turns into finding Mr Right now.

Sleeping Around by Catherine Townsend is a non fictitious book published a couple of years ago. The author is an American, freelance journalist and until recently wrote a weekly sex column for the Independent. The title may lead the reader to have some preconceptions about the book, but Catherine goes beyond writing about just her sexual experiences and discusses the ideas of falling in and out of love to the age old taboo that men can sleep around, but women can’t to men’s fear of the post feminist woman who says and does as she pleases. Having stated that, this book is definitely not for the prudish. I read this book in a day, sitting in Le Jardin de Luxemburg in Paris. I think the Parisians thought I had a mental condition as I lost count at the number of times I laughed out loud while reading this book. From getting over a break up to threesomes, from friendships to marriage of necessity, from an addiction to kinky lingerie to a fantasy about a certain British politician and more. A very funny, modern approach to finding love and having fun for the young, forward thinking woman. I can surely say that all women can relate to at least one of Catherine’s experiences. I certainly did, which made it a more intriguing and enticing read.

 Absolutely Sex and the City meets cool and trendy London. The main character of the book has Samantha’s sexual prowess and adventures, Charlotte’s search for love and that one man who takes her breath away, Miranda’s sternness towards the opposite sex and Carrie’s ideas of love and life as a sex columnist. Not forgetting the love of shopping. Although, Carrie’s love for Monolo’s is substituted for Catherine’s love for Agent Provocateur and Coco de Mer. One of Catherine’s favourite mantras is one I think all women should do. No matter what life throws at you, look in the mirror, wipe the mascara from your cheeks and repeat “you are a rock star, you ARE a rock star and he’s an idiot”. I do believe that the modern, ambitious, career driven woman truly is a rock star.

I am definitely looking forward to reading the second instalment of Catherine’s work which came out earlier this year. I must admit, I do take pleasure in having a sneak peek into another person’s life. Even if it is sitting in a café getting lost in a book for an afternoon.

You can purhase the book from Amazon.com here or Amazon.co.uk here. Please let us know what you thought of the book in the comments below!

The quest to become what we dream for ourselves is usually fraught with distractions and the everyday mundane. It’s easy to lose direction and end up someplace else. It may well be a good place, but what about that goal which you went to bed dreaming about?

If there is one thing I want to do, it’s shine in all the things I do. I want to be the best I can be. It takes hard work, morning mantras and above all, courage. For me, I believe that if you feel good, if you look great and if you have the drive, you can achieve anything. Standing out from the crowd not only boosts self esteem but can also bag that dream. When you step out looking and feeling 100% great about yourself, you are not only feeling on top of the world, you actually are on top of the world. In the pages of this magazine you will find the inspiration. From the clothes to the people who made it happen for themselves.

Nothing is impossible. Welcome to SHINE, it’s time to act on the dream.

Vlad Kaltenieks and Jason Stringer.