Crushed by Frances Lynn

If you happen to be the father of teen twin daughters you could learn a thing or two here.
Mr. Brevington, aka Pa, is a nifty escape artist who manages to maintain his serenity while living in poverty in the eye of the storm created by the three female members of his chaotic household situated in one of London's poshest barrios. While the tempest rages around him his writer's studio provides a shield as well as gateway into an ancient world of mystery and thus deserves special attention.
Meanwhile his wife Ma and twin daughters Door and Dee work overtime to steal the show. Their emotional outbursts may be a result of a general hysteria that Central London living generates, what with the constant pull between classical heritage and contemporary pop culture. Elements of The Ugly Duckling blended with the mythological Eve versus Lilith or the more recent Nicky Hilton versus Paris Hilton will show young women from Tokyo to West Virginia what fun they could have had if fate had only tossed them into the life of being groomed in the capital of British pop.
After reading Crushed one is left with little doubt that London was built on top of an elevator shaft that has been pouring talent and glitter and sparkles from the secret world of fairies and goblins at the centre of this planet ever since time began. And author Frances Lynn seems to be an authority when it comes to a twenty-first century version of Middle Earth.

Ulla Ward de Mora

The novel is infused with snippets of humour and maintains a continual fast pace. As a result, it is sure to appeal to all young girls who have ever had an insatiable crush, experienced such inconveniences as a sibling, or have been driven by the desire to achieve their dreams. Considering that the majority of young people can relate to these factors, I have no hesitation in recommending this book as a most enjoyable read and was delighted to aid the author in the design of the front cover.
Helen Ralli - student