A to Z Challenge - Favourite Books - Friends and Lovers

Friends and Lovers, by Helen MacInnes.


This was one of those books I picked up at random at a secondhand bookstore, not knowing anything about the author (a prolific writer of espionage stories) or that this was a book outside her usual genre. All I knew was that it was set in England and Scotland, and seemed delightfully old-fashioned.

"David Bosworth is a penniless undergraduate at Oxford with a head full of dreams.

Penelope Lorrimer is the pretty daughter of a wealthy Edinburgh family; they have plans for her, but their ambitions do not match hers.

When they fall in love the odds are against them, but the opposition they encounter draws them closer than any love more easily won - and the bond between them is stronger,more durable than the one between mere friends and lovers..."

It's harder to serendipitously find stick-with-you books when you're shopping online, at least for me. Anyone have any tips?

Comments

S.P. Bowers said…
I still have to read that...
Anonymous said…
There's an interesting movie called "Friends and Lovers." Doesn't sound like these two are related. At all. Still, it was a funny movie. Lots of sex, as the name might imply.
Steve MC said…
Used bookstores have their own magic, which cannot be replicated online.
One reason I've always preferred buying books at bookstores is that I can read excerpts of the book before I buy it. Amazon is finally giving publishers and writers the option of including excerpts of their books online, but a lot of them still haven't done it yet. But at least Amazon has very candid reviews from other readers; I've found that if many of the reviews are saying the same thing, they're probably right.
Laurel Garver said…
I occasionally find the real gems in the "also boughts" online when I search books I've read and loved. But as NW said above, being able to see inside is probably the most helpful tool.
I like Helen MacInnes, but hadn't heard of this particular book. Makes sense if it is outside her usual genre.

When I order a book on Amazon, I tend to keep clicking through all the recommended books. I've found some authors I really enjoy that way.

Shannon at The Warrior Muse, co-host of the 2012 #atozchallenge! Twitter: @AprilA2Z
Unknown said…
I've not done a random book shop in ages! I need to rectify that. Thanks!

Jamie
Fellow A-Z bloggy buddy
Mithril Wisdom
Denise Covey said…
I've had these random finds, loved the writer's style,then bought other titles online.

Denise
Sylvia Ney said…
I'm the same as Denise. I almost NEVER pay full price or order online by an author I'm not familiar with.

New follower here. I’m enjoying reading my fellow “A to Z”ers. I look forward to visiting again.

Sylvia
http://www.writinginwonderland.blogspot.com/
Deniz Bevan said…
Thanks for coming by everyone!

That's funny, Joshua!

Er, maine, why can't I find your blog? Blogger just takes me to your profile...

I don't read many Amazon reviews, Neurotic, but I do like that Search/Look inside feature!

Thanks for following Sylvia!