The Ministry of Time is an inventive and totally absorbing blend of science fiction and romance with a dash of historical fiction and an element of myThe Ministry of Time is an inventive and totally absorbing blend of science fiction and romance with a dash of historical fiction and an element of mystery added for good measure. If this all sounds a bit of mishmash, think of it instead as a glorious cocktail of different ingredients that once you’ve downed it you immediately want to drink again… except this time surely it tastes slightly different?
I’m not going to try to summarise the plot for fear of spoilers but what I can say is you will meet some wonderful characters. Commander Graham Gore, obviously, but also Arthur (‘1916’) and Margaret Kemble (‘1665’). There’s a lot of humour as the ‘expats’ are introduced to modern technology, attitudes and concepts by their ‘bridges’. Margaret’s 17th century mode of speech and inventive cursing is both endearing and very funny.
But there’s also a serious side as well as the expats learn about world events that have taken place since they were ‘extracted’ from their own time. For example, Arthur, having been plucked from the Battle of the Somme, is horrified to discover that there was a second world war, although in other ways the modern world may be more accommodating than the one he left. Having all been rescued from certain death, survivor’s guilt is real for them. This is especially the case for Gore once he learns the fate of his comrades on Sir John Franklin’s Arctic expedition. He is haunted by the knowledge his markmanship might have made a difference to their survival. I particularly liked the sections which take us back in time to witness the ill-fated mission from the point of view of Gore.
There’s a sinister aspect to the way the expats are constantly monitored (in more ways than they realise), periodically assessed and tested by Ministry officials, and reported on by their ‘bridges’ who also exercise control over the information they are given. Just why these particular individuals were chosen to be ‘rescued’ becomes a source of mystery too.
There’s an interesting parallel made between the assimilation of the expats into the modern world (to misquote E. M. Forster, ‘The present is a foreign country: they do things differently there‘) and the experience of people moving from one culture or country to another. Gore’s bridge is part-Cambodian and the daughter of immigrants so she has had to be a ‘bridge’ for her Cambodian mother, helping her learn a new language and so on.
A wonderfully supportive relationship develops between the three expats and the narrator also becomes more a friend than a ‘bridge’, although this brings its own challenges for her. One particular relationship becomes the main focus of the story and if it doesn’t touch your heart I’ll be surprised.
Towards the end of the book, the author really ups the action and throws in a terrific curved ball that took my brain a while to unscramble. The message I had no difficulty understanding, though, was that whereas you can’t change the past, you can change the future. Oh, and the enduring power of love.
I thought The Ministry of Time was mindbendingly brilliant and definitely among the most enjoyable books I’ve read so far this year....more
The publishers describe The Last Party at Silverton Hall as ‘Perfect for fans of Rachel Hore, Lorna Cook and Kathryn Hughes’. I haven’t read any of thThe publishers describe The Last Party at Silverton Hall as ‘Perfect for fans of Rachel Hore, Lorna Cook and Kathryn Hughes’. I haven’t read any of those authors’ books so I can’t say whether that’s a fair comparison or not but what I can say is that, despite my mixed history with dual-time novels and the fact there is a romantic storyline, I really enjoyed it.
The book moves between the present day story of Isobel, returning to Silverton Bay after a period of eighteen years, and her grandmother Vivien’s story starting in 1952.
Viven’s story is one of young woman swept off her feet by the handsome Max and whisked away from her humdrum job, as well as from her family and smog-filled London, to a new life in a grand house by the sea. Suddenly there are little luxuries she could only have dreamed of and glamorous parties to attend at nearby Silverton Hall. True, Max is often absent but, after all, he has an important job in London. If you’re thinking it all sounds too good to be true, then you’d be right because as the teasing opening chapter shows there is something important that Max has kept from Vivien, something that touches upon social attitudes at the time. In fact, there’s more than one thing he’s kept from her, as she will only discover much later. Max could come across as the one-dimensional villain of the piece except for a little nugget of information towards the end of the book that, if not excusing his actions, does give a different perspective on them.
The present day storyline sees Isobel grieving the death of her grandmother with whom she spent much of her childhood and rather overwhelmed by inheriting Little Clarion, her grandmother’s house. That feeling of being overwhelmed only increases when she sees the dilapidated state of the house. Fortunately, also recently returned to Silverton Bay is Nick who is helping in his grandfather Spencer’s shop. Eighteen years before Isobel and Nick were close friends, and on the verge of getting romantically involved, until events got in the way and their lives took separate paths in September 2001. The intervening years have, in different ways, been traumatic for each of them, as the reader will discover. What hasn’t changed is that, for both of them, the other has always been ‘the one that got away’. But is it too late? Has too much water passed under the bridge? Will they still feel the same way about each other once they know the emotional baggage they carry?
Alongside delving into the secrets of her grandmother’s life, the renovation of Little Clarion gives Isobel the project she needs to distract her from disappointments in her life. It helps that Nick is on hand to provide practical assistance and to nudge Isobel into recognising the house can incorporate modern elements without stripping it of the essence of her grandmother. The restoration of the house in a way mirrors both Isobel’s and Nick’s psychological “renovation” as they each discover there is still a chance for them to pursue the things they’ve always wanted to do, rather than the things they were expected to do.
The Last Party at Silverton Hall is an absorbing story of family secrets with a romantic storyline that, for me, remained just the right side of sentimentality. I thought the story flowed beautifully and I liked the way the author adopted a subtly different style for the sections revealing, bit by bit, Vivien’s story. There are some touching moments in the book and those who love a feelgood ending won’t be disappointed....more
The news of Leo’s death arrives suddenly and completely without warning, just at the point where Lottie has come to believe their relationship has bloThe news of Leo’s death arrives suddenly and completely without warning, just at the point where Lottie has come to believe their relationship has blossomed into something permanent. So much so, that she’s reached the important point of introducing him to her sisters. As Lottie struggles to cope with her grief, the reader learns about how Lottie and Leo first met and the sweet way in which their relationship developed built on a shared sense of humour, love of the music of Elton John, a easygoing sense of companionship but also that important spark of passion. After the particularly disastrous end to her previous relationship, for the first time in many years, Lottie feels loved and supported in a partnership built on trust.
It’s no surprise therefore that when Lottie discovers that Leo had kept things from her, it only adds to her sense of despair at his death. Why did he not tell her? Why did none of his family disclose such a vital piece of information? She spends long hours alone pondering on the things she and Leo had planned to do that now will never happen – travelling around the world, even starting a family. ‘Then, in the blink of an eye, all those dreams, all the expectation, all that happiness had been ripped away from her.’ One of the most affecting scenes for me was when Lottie finds herself alone at Leo’s funeral and on the periphery, having never been introduced to any of his family except his cousin Ross.
Usually close to her sisters, Em and Annie, Lottie’s grief makes her push them away, rebuffing all offers of help and advice. After all, how can they with their seemingly perfect lives understand what she’s going through? For a time she retreats into an imaginary world in which Leo is not dead. But, as we learn, Lottie’s a strong person and when she finally accepts the support of her sisters, she finds the courage to embrace new opportunities.
The One is a tender and emotional story of coming to terms with loss, the importance of family through difficult times and the resilience of the human spirit....more
When Fran and Will run into each other in a coffee shop after a gap of twenty-five years is it coincidence, fate or something else? Finding themselvesWhen Fran and Will run into each other in a coffee shop after a gap of twenty-five years is it coincidence, fate or something else? Finding themselves both single again, albeit each now with parental responsibilities, they quickly resume their relationship, their attraction to each other being as intense as it was all those years ago.
However, a revelation from Will causes Fran to reappraise her relationship with him and results in them embarking on a quest, along with Fran’s son, Kieran, to make the most of every day because, after all, you never know if it might be your last.
The story is told from Fran’s point of view meaning that the reader gets to witness her ever-changing emotions: doubt, guilt, resentment, frustration and an abiding sense of injustice. Not all of these may seem warranted. For instance, her initial response to Will’s revelation is one of anger when you might have expected, or hoped, her to feel sympathy – especially since Fran has a big secret of her own that she’s concealed for twenty-five years (the nature of which readers may well guess).
I found myself with immense sympathy for Will. Not only is he attempting to put things right with Fran but he is facing a personal challenge with fortitude and dignity. His tender relationship with his daughter, Elodie, was heart-warming and I also liked the bond he formed with Fran’s son, Kieran. Will’s world is rocked when Fran finally reveals the secrets she has concealed for so long but, despite everything he’s going through, he shows a capacity for forgiveness I found astonishing.
There are joyful moments in the book – one of my favourites involving Krispy Kreme doughnuts – but there is immense sadness as well. Before We Grow Old is something of an emotional rollercoaster that will have you laughing one moment and tearful the next. As the author demonstrates, life is a journey in which you never know what’s around the next corner. Carpe diem, as they say....more
The haunting and dramatic prologue does what just what a prologue should: leave questions in your mind as you read the rest of the book and make you wThe haunting and dramatic prologue does what just what a prologue should: leave questions in your mind as you read the rest of the book and make you want to read it again once you’ve turned the last page.
Rachel is a flawed but relatable character. Okay, she’s made poor decisions in the past about relationships but she’s also been let down and damaged by the actions of others. However, she recognizes she’s made mistakes and, guided by the wise advice of her friend Jessie, tries her best not to repeat them. However, sometimes she just cannot resist the tug of her heart over her head and, as we learned from Pride & Prejudice, first impressions cannot always be relied upon.
I liked seeing Rachel cast off the self-imposed shackles of academia and return to her first love, hands-on field archaeology with a trowel in her hand and dirt under her fingernails. Her connection with Esther, one of the ladies at The Firs retirement home, was touching and I loved how Rachel’s gradual unearthing of Esther’s memories mirrored her own literal unearthing of the history of the nearby air base. The landscape of rural Lincolnshire and its endless skies is vividly evoked.
The balance between the contemporary and wartime storylines was different from what I’d anticipated and there were elements I hadn’t been expecting. However, it’s no bad thing for a book to confound your expectations, is it?
Endless Skies has a bit of everything – romance, archaeology, mystery, history – making it the ideal book to immerse yourself in for a few hours on a wet afternoon. And for fans of old movies, the wonderful 1945 film, The Way to the Stars, would make the perfect companion piece....more
Although the book’s title is Summer in Provence, events take place over the course of a year (and beyond). I really enjoyed how the author conjured uAlthough the book’s title is Summer in Provence, events take place over the course of a year (and beyond). I really enjoyed how the author conjured up the effect of the changing seasons on the landscape around the Château and there are some particularly charming scenes as the team and their guests celebrate Christmas. Bûche de Noël, anyone?
Fern’s discovery of, and growing confidence in, her artistic talent is really heart-warming to follow. But maybe it’s not only her creativity that will be kindled? When you have a man described as having mesmerizing dark brown eyes, being instantly magnetic and being well cast as Mr Darcy and that person turns out to be Fern’s mentor and founder of the establishment, Nico Gallegos, surely we know what will happen? Throw in the fact he is a bit of a tortured soul and you have the perfect romantic hero. Ah, but in the skilled hands of the author I can assure you it’s not as simple as that.
I loved the way Fern’s innate empathy and intuitive instincts allowed her to bond with some of the guests at the retreat such as Kellie, a young woman with a troubled past. Like me, you may well give a little cheer at the course of a particular Skype call concerning Kellie’s future. Patricia was another lovely character who, as it turns out, holds the key to solving an important problem. As for Fern herself, she tends to underestimate her qualities resulting in one rather lovely moment involving a sheet of paper.
Aiden appears infrequently in person and, for that reason, initially I found it a little difficult to understand Fern’s continued devotion to him given the upheaval he has visited on their lives. His protestations of affection didn’t seem quite consistent with his behaviour and lack of communication during their time apart. Again, the author has some unexpected twists and turns up her sleeve to wrongfoot the reader’s expectations.
There are lovely little touches such as the apposite chapter headings and the author’s parting gift, as it were, giving the reader a glimpse of possible futures for the main characters in the book. Does absence make the heart grow fonder for Fern and Aiden? I’m sure you don’t expect me to tell you! You’re just going to have to read the book to find out.
Summer in Provence, with its heart-warming story set in glorious scenery, is the ideal pick-me-up for the times we’re living through. “When good things happen to good people, it leaves such a warm feeling in your heart.” Amen to that....more
A Wedding in the Olive Garden is a departure from my usual diet of historical fiction but doesn’t everyone need/deserve something sweet and indulgent A Wedding in the Olive Garden is a departure from my usual diet of historical fiction but doesn’t everyone need/deserve something sweet and indulgent from time to time, such as a slice of baklava perhaps?
Having really enjoyed the author’s previous book, The Olive Garden Choir, it was a delight to return to the (alas, fictional) Greek island of Santaniki and to be reunited with some of the characters from the earlier book. My personal favourite is Irini, on this occasion transformed from mother-in-law from hell to avenging angel.
It was also great to make the acquaintance of some new characters. One of these is Sara Loveday who has her own reasons for wanting to begin a new chapter in her life, reasons which she is unwilling to share with anyone initially (including the reader). Luckily, her new wedding planning venture requires all her attention if it’s to be a success. A number of couples amongst the island’s residents have their own very special and personal reasons for wanting to get married and it’s not long before they are making use of Sara’s services. The first wedding she organises is notable for a very unexpected arrival.
With all this going on there’s definitely no place for romance on Sara’s extensive to-do list. At least, that’s what she thinks.
I can certainly attest to the publisher’s description of A Wedding in the Olive Garden as “a gorgeous, warm-hearted and uplifting novel conjuring the local colour, traditions and close bonds of island life.” Of all the weddings featured in the book, my favourite was the traditional Cretan wedding in which the whole community pitch in to help. There are also fabulous descriptions of the islanders’ celebrations of Easter and of the feast day of Phanourios, patron saint of lost and found, whose services are definitely needed at one point.
I have to mention the luscious descriptions of food such as these offerings from the lunchtime menu of the taverna run by Northern lass Mel, her husband Spiro, and the aforementioned Irini: gigantes (butter bean stew), mountain greens in oil and lemon, salad of beetroot, garlic and walnut, village sausages, and roasted vegetable salad with feta. Oh, and don’t forget a carafe of the local wine and a raki to finish. Stomach rumbling yet?
With the author’s customary skilful blend of joyful and poignant moments, if A Wedding in the Olive Garden doesn’t have you longingly browsing travel websites ready for when ‘normal’ life returns, or even planning your own dream wedding, I’ll be surprised....more
Luke and Cat’s relationship is initially characterised by mutual dislike and misunderstanding but gradually changes into something different. Hey, if Luke and Cat’s relationship is initially characterised by mutual dislike and misunderstanding but gradually changes into something different. Hey, if it was good enough for Jane Austen in Pride and Prejudice…. The reader follows the highs and lows, the ups and downs of their relationship. I liked the back story the author created for Luke which made him an engaging character the reader (well, this one at least) was always rooting for.
The small village of Carrenporth is picture postcard Cornwall with its harbour and fishing fleet, its high street full of tea shops and small businesses and its beaches perfect for surfing not far away. And presiding over it all the luxury hotel and spa owned by Cat’s family. To begin with family relationships are the focus of the book but that all changes when a tragic event occurs. Existing loyalties – family, friends, community – are tested but new, and sometimes unexpected ones, are forged as secrets of the past are revealed. Readers may find their opinions of certain characters do a complete about turn.
A Cornish Affair, with its mix of romance and mystery and its Cornish setting, would make the perfect beach or summer read....more
Eveline Stanhope makes an engaging central character. She’s independent-minded, intelligent, bookish and has a little bit of a rebellious streak whichEveline Stanhope makes an engaging central character. She’s independent-minded, intelligent, bookish and has a little bit of a rebellious streak which makes the social expectations that seem to limit her life all the more galling. By the way, who couldn’t love a book in which Eveline, complaining about the confined nature of her existence, is told ‘Anyone who reads widely is a citizen of the world…’.
Slowly, with the grudging agreement of her mother and despite the somewhat aghast reaction of her married sisters, Eveline seeks to expand her horizons. With maid, Jenny, she learns to swim (suitably kitted out in full bathing dress, of course) and starts to study photography. However, it still seems her future is likely to follow the expected course of marriage and motherhood.
The candidate favoured by her mother is Charles Sandham – handsome, rich, charming and well-travelled. Is he too good to be true perhaps? Then there’s railway engineer, Thomas Armitage – a taciturn, plain-speaking Yorkshireman who’s definitely less of a catch as far as Eveline’s mother is concerned.
Initially, Eveline views the coming of the railway to the Isle of Wight as like ‘a monster invading their peaceful world’ so she and Thomas Armitage naturally clash at first. Over time, however, Eveline finds her antagonism to the railway waning as she starts to see the benefits it can bring and the opportunity it offers to exert her independence. As a fan of Michael Portillo’s railway journeys TV series, I was also thrilled to come across the sentence, ‘The Bradshaw timetable was consulted.’
The book offers a candid view of the inferior position of women at this time. Not just Eveline, but Aunt George, forced to make her home with her dead brother’s family or Miss Angell, former governess to the family, now relying on their charity for a roof over her head. Whereas the men are able to get up to all sorts of behaviour. Therefore, I really enjoyed the parts where Eveline starts to take charge. Such as persuading her mother that railway travel is ‘more modern’ and will set her apart from the snooty neighbours as a way of saving expenditure on a new carriage.
The book creates a great sense of the period, such as the descriptions of clothing and meals. ‘There were to be oysters, and fried sole, and red mullet; a shoulder of mutton, and a fricandeau of beef; and a haunch of venison…along with several brace of pheasant.’ It depicts a time of scientific and technological discovery existing alongside ‘Victorian values’ that still held sway when it came to the social order.
A wedding, a misunderstanding, a rapprochement, news of a happy event, romance under the stars and the possibility of a ‘different sort of freedom’ bring the book to a satisfying conclusion. I thoroughly enjoyed Stealing Roses and the ending left me thinking I would love to find out, to coin a phrase, what Eveline did next....more
I'll confess The Dinner List is not the sort of book I'd usually be drawn to; it's a bit lighter than my favourite historical crime mysteries. Also, tI'll confess The Dinner List is not the sort of book I'd usually be drawn to; it's a bit lighter than my favourite historical crime mysteries. Also, the mention of magical realism in a book description usually sends me running in the opposite direction. However, when I read the first few chapters of The Dinner List on the Readers First website, I found myself intrigued by the clever concept and, of course, the presence of Audrey Hepburn in the story helped.
The book alternates between conversation around the table at Sabrina's birthday dinner and chapters recounting the story of the relationship between Sabrina and a very important person in her life. The guests (whose identities I'm going to leave the reader to find out) all offer their different perspectives on the ups and downs, the highs and lows of this relationship. As one of them says, "Sometimes it's impossible to move forward without understanding what happened."
Clever readers may not be surprised by the piece of information disclosed half way through the book but I certainly was and it changed how I felt about what I read from that point on (but definitely not in a bad way). If anything, it made me feel more invested in the characters.
Rebecca Serle has a deft touch with prose and I particularly liked the lively banter and occasional mild flirtation around the dinner table. The presence of Audrey Hepburn certainly brought a sparkle to proceedings but the author also imbued her character with real warmth and insight. Just how you'd like to imagine Audrey Hepburn would be if she was a guest at your birthday dinner.
The Dinner List is a romantic, heart-warming story about love, loss, friendship, the possibility of second chances and the gift of forgiveness. Amongst others, it poses the questions: Are some things meant to be? Are there some things you can't fix?
I received a review copy courtesy of Allen & Unwin and Readers First. The Dinner List is book 7 of my 20 Books of Summer....more
I confess The Hopes of Dreams of Lucy Baker is a little lighter than my usual choice of read. However, it certainly fits the bill for those occasions I confess The Hopes of Dreams of Lucy Baker is a little lighter than my usual choice of read. However, it certainly fits the bill for those occasions when you fancy something undemanding that will give you a warm glow but is still well-written.
Lucy makes an engaging heroine who it’s easy to root for. She’s kind, thoughtful but, initially at least, inclined to underestimate herself and her abilities, and to think the best of others, even if they don’t necessarily deserve it. Because of this she’s a little easily manipulated and only gradually learns to assert herself and listen to those who genuinely have her best interests at heart. Chief amongst these is her elderly neighbour, Brenda, who having been a great support to Lucy in the past now finds it is her turn to need help. Brenda always knew she could count on Lucy but finds she has another more unlikely source of assistance as well.
In the scenes set in Lucy’s workplace (Tompkins Toy Workshop), the author captures the atmosphere of office life with its banter, gossip and cast of familiar characters – the practical joker, the mother figure and the Jack-the-Lad with his non-PC comments (who perhaps has hidden depths). Okay, there are no real surprises and it didn’t take a genius to work out the way things were heading when Lucy and her best friend, Jess, undertake to win over Lucy’s new next door neighbour, George.
Nevertheless The Hopes of Dreams of Lucy Baker is a heart-warming story about the nature of true friendship, finding the courage to fulfil your dreams and how the path of true love sometimes needs a little help from forces you can’t explain. If you don’t find yourself giving a little contented sigh of satisfaction on closing the book, I’ll be surprised. And, if at the end, you have no desire to own a hand-knitted Poldark, then you’re probably beyond my help.
I received an advance review copy courtesy of Elke at Avon Books UK, and NetGalley....more
The book alternates between two timelines; before and after the event that caused Joseph to seek refuge from his unhappy memories and the overwhelmingThe book alternates between two timelines; before and after the event that caused Joseph to seek refuge from his unhappy memories and the overwhelming sense of guilt that haunts him. The island of Madeira is the location of that refuge although, as he admits himself, it could have been anywhere as long it was away from England and the trauma of his recent experiences. As it happens, Madeira and more particularly the Quinta owned by Fernando turns out to be the perfect haven for Joseph. Its remote location, accessible only by boat or a precipitous path, means he can hide himself away from the outside and the discovery he fears. Fernando’s wife, Maria, and niece, Sofia, are the only other inhabitants of the farm… if you don’t count Joseph’s new friend, Ed the donkey.
The smattering of Portuguese phrases and references to local dishes really help to conjure up the atmosphere of the beautiful island of Madeira. I was lucky enough to holiday there a few years ago and the scenery is as dramatic and stunning as the book describes, especially if you venture on a bus ride around the coast. The bus drivers really do deserve a medal for bravery! Hint: if you suffer from vertigo, best not sit by the window.
What was interesting was that, although set in the present, I found myself being surprised by references to modern things such as solar panels. I think this was because the way of life depicted on the Quinta seems unchanged for generations and steeped in tradition. Given the Quinta’s basic amenities (composting toilet, no thank you) it really felt the story could have been set at any time over the past fifty years. While I was enjoying the story I also learnt a little about grape harvesting, wine-making, bee-keeping, knot tying and the role performed by a farrier.
I found that some of the characters were more subtly drawn and believable than others. I liked the way the author depicted the relationship between Maria and Fernando, Sofia’s aunt and uncle, as a mature couple who still display the mutual affection (and passion) of their younger days. It was great as well to have such a sensitive and positive treatment of a character with a disability and for that character to play such a central role in the story.
In Joseph Barnaby, the author skilfully melds a tender romance with the gradual reveal of the mystery of Joseph’s past, all set against the stunning backdrop of the island of Madeira. Personally, I wasn’t sure it needed the mystical element introduced via one of the characters. What’s not in doubt is that the book is a great advertisement for the island of Madeira!
I received a review copy courtesy of publishers, Crooked Cat Books, and Rachel’s Random Resources....more
Elizabeth Pennington seeks to be ‘Mistress’ of Pennington’s, the department store owned and run (with a very firm hand) by her father, Edward, but sheElizabeth Pennington seeks to be ‘Mistress’ of Pennington’s, the department store owned and run (with a very firm hand) by her father, Edward, but she’s not there yet. Recalling the words of her mother, ‘Go forth and conquer the world, Elizabeth’, Elizabeth hopes things are about to change, with the help of talented glove-maker, Joseph Carter.
One can forgive I suppose the instant attraction – from their very first glimpse of each other – between the predictably beautiful Elizabeth and the equally predictably handsome Joseph, since it soon becomes apparent they share a history of tragedy in their personal lives and recognise in each other a similar social outlook and driving ambition. For Joseph, the attraction is heightened by the fact that Elizabeth seems to possess the same qualities as a woman who played a big part in his life and whose influence still drives him. For Elizabeth, the attraction is heightened by the difference she sees between Joseph and the sort of men her father favours as potential suitors – men who’ve achieved their wealth and position in society through inheritance rather than their own endeavours. However, both Elizabeth and Joseph have reservations about entering into a relationship that might become more than merely professional. When it becomes apparent there is previous history between the two families, things become even more complicated.
The book is set in an interesting period when the campaign for women’s suffrage was reaching its peak. The prejudice those courageous and doughty campaigners faced is encapsulated in the character of Edward Pennington, who clearly believes women are good for nothing more than child rearing or providing pleasure in the bedroom. Edward finds it difficult to see beyond Elizabeth’s gender and recognise her obvious business acumen, seeing her new ideas for Pennington’s as a threat rather than as a valuable contribution to the success of the business (as you suspect he would if they had come from a man). For example, her suggestion of a trial of Joseph’s designs elicits the dismissive response: ‘Will you be able to control your feminine desires long enough to wrangle a profitable deal for the store?’
It’s also a time when the opportunities for mass production and mass marketing are being explored by those with vision in the commercial world. Edward Pennington definitely does not fall into this category. You get the feeling that, even if the story line was moved to the modern day, Pennington’s would be the only department store without an online presence.
I haven’t watched either of the TV series with which the book has been compared – Mr. Selfridge and The Paradise – so can’t comment on the accuracy of the comparison. However, I can envision The Mistress of Pennington’s making ideal Sunday night viewing. I can also see the book, with its engaging leading characters, period setting and romantic story line, appealing to Rachel Brimble’s many fans and to those looking for a new historical fiction saga in which to become engrossed. There are some loose ends – including one quite large one – left unresolved, no doubt deliberately so they can be picked up in future books in the series.
Personally, the romance element dominated the story line just a little too much for my taste. The 'should they/shouldn't they' became somewhat repetitive and seemed to go on much longer than necessary. In my opinion, the book could have been 50-100 pages shorter without losing anything from the main story line. However, the book is clearly pitched as historical romance, so I guess I can't really criticise too much in that respect. Plus, I'm aware that the romance element I didn't care for may be just what appeals about the book to other readers.
I received a review copy courtesy of Rachel’s Random Resources in return for an honest and unbiased review....more
Following the death of her mother, Cora and her brother, Stephen, discover they didn’t know everything about their mother. A box containing a key leadFollowing the death of her mother, Cora and her brother, Stephen, discover they didn’t know everything about their mother. A box containing a key leads them to discover that their mother owned a cottage on the remote Scottish island of Seal. For Cora, handling the key evokes a strange sense of yearning, a feeling a little like déjà vu. Already with her mother’s death, she feels a sense of displacement from her current life – feeling like ‘a stranger in a strange land’. No longer do the busy streets of London fill her with excitement: ‘I’d begin to feel overwhelmed by the noise and the smells if the city.’ Something has changed for Cora. ‘My mum’s death had been like that – a tiny event in the big picture of things, no more than a minute shift of the axis, and yet it had brought a monumental change in my life, a change to everything I was, everything I loved, everything I’d built up to then....I existed in a world that had changed all its rules.’
The cottage offers the prospect of a new start, leaving behind her grief at her mother’s death, failed relationships, a struggle to make progress with the book she has been working on and a feeling that maybe her heart is ‘asleep’. Don’t worry; it won’t be long before it is awoken.
For those familiar with Daniela Sacerdoti’s books, it won’t be a surprise to learn that along with the romantic storyline there is an underlying sense of the mystical or supernatural, a strong element of folklore and an atmospheric sense of place. The location, on a remote Scottish island at the mercy of the wind and weather, is the perfect place for these different strands to come together.
There is also a strong sense of the past and present intertwining as the present day story of Cora is interspersed with a complementary story from 1745 recounting the experiences of Margaret McCrimmon, caught up in the climax of the Jacobite risings. The narrative moves seamlessly between the two stories with the two women’s lives follow a similar trajectory that involves love and hope for the future, but not before very real dangers have been navigated.
I’ll confess that I sometimes struggle with books that have dual time narratives, often finding the story set in the past more compelling than that set in the present. I’m pleased to say I Will Find You was an exception. I think this is because the main characters in the present day storyline, Cora and Innes, felt absolutely believable as characters. In particular, Innes, for whom the author creates a complex and traumatic back story. His memories of deeply unsettling events from his childhood help to explain his restless spirit, his history of failed relationships and his feeling that he is ‘tainted’.
By the way, I loved the way the book is structured with a Prologue and (sort of) Epilogue framing three sections, appropriately titled (because of the role the sea plays in the book) ‘Low Tide’, ‘Flood Tide’ and ‘High Tide’. For those who don’t know (and I had to look it up), a flood tide is the incoming or rising tide that occurs between the time when the tide is lowest and the time when the following tide is highest.
For those who have read the first book in the series (although this isn’t essential, as I Will Find You works perfectly well as a standalone), there are walk on parts for a couple of the characters from Keep Me Safe. Finally, I need to mention the final section of the book, entitled ‘Book of Souls’ which addresses another theme common to the author’s books, that of the past repeating itself – or perhaps, echoing is a more apt word – down the years.
If you’re a reader looking for a compelling, emotional story with an atmospheric setting and who has a few tissues handy for the end, then there’s good news - I Will Find You has found you!
I received an advance review copy courtesy of publishers, Headline, and NetGalley in return for an honest and unbiased review....more
That Summer in Puglia tells the story of a love affair between two young people – Tommaso and Anna – that is as intense as the heat of an Italian summThat Summer in Puglia tells the story of a love affair between two young people – Tommaso and Anna – that is as intense as the heat of an Italian summer. Tommaso is clever, introspective and solitary with just a small circle of friends. He’s never had a girlfriend because he’s never come across anyone with whom he feels a real connection. That all changes when he meets Anna, the result of a chance encounter – or perhaps it’s fate? ‘Extraordinary, how the course of lives can depend on trivia.’
I loved the way Tommaso and Anna bond over a shared love of books and thoughtful, earnest conversation. One of the great strengths of the book is the way it conveys the plethora of feelings associated with first love – and not just desire or wanting to be with the other person all the time. Tommaso finds his outlook on the world has suddenly changed since meeting Anna. ‘Places, people and objects outside school took on new meaning whenever – and it was often – they confirmed something she had said and which had never occurred to me… Everyday actions triggered musings as to what Anna might say or do: whether she took the same pleasure as me in the blossoming almond trees at this time of year…whether she ate her focaccia alla cipolla – oozing from every side with its succulent filling of sautéed onions, capers, tiny black olives and fresh tomato chunks – with fork and knife like my mother, or with bare hands like most of us.’
As Tommaso and Anna roam the maze of narrow streets that make up the Old Town of Ostuni, taking delight in small things and shared places, there are beautiful descriptions of the ancient town, full of light and shade. ‘We turned into the narrower stretch of the street. Over the centuries, carts had carved smooth grooves into the white flagstones. The further we climbed, the more closely huddled together the houses became. Arched alleyways opened up alongside us and snaked their way towards partially-seen buildings and hidden corners… The orange-tinted street lights bounced off the whiteness of walls and flagstones, adding to the labyrinth’s air of mystery and magic.’ I also have to include at this point another example of the simply luscious description of Italian food that had my stomach rumbling, in this case tajedda, an ‘amalgam of fresh mussels, potatoes, perini tomatoes, rice and olive oil, all baked together to perfection.’
Tommaso’s relationship with his father is also wonderfully rendered – heartfelt and touching. In contrast, Tommaso’s relationship with his mother is a picture of complexity. Both seem unable to express their true feelings and this inability will prove to have unimagined consequences as the story unfolds.
That Summer in Puglia provides a devastating portrait of how love can, in a moment, turn to hate if fuelled by insecurity, jealousy and an inability to trust. And how what often follows just as quickly is regret, guilt, despair and hopelessness. It also shows how a single action, even if done for what is thought are the right reasons, can have unintended and long-lasting consequences. But that sometimes there may be the opportunity to make reparation.
I’ll confess I wasn’t completely convinced by the device of the private investigator as the recipient of Tommaso’s memories or that Tommaso could have remained undiscovered and undocumented for so many years. However, the emotional power of Tommaso’s story and the effortless, flowing writing of Valeria Vescina is what will stay with me about That Summer in Puglia.
I received a review copy courtesy of publishers, Eyewear Publishing, and Aimee at Bookollective in return for an honest and unbiased review....more
Ten Reasons To Love Grace After Henry by Eithne Shortall
One – The believable and touching portrayal of the impact of losing someone close to you. TheTen Reasons To Love Grace After Henry by Eithne Shortall
One – The believable and touching portrayal of the impact of losing someone close to you. The regrets – if only you’d said all the things you’d meant to say. The guilt – that if you’d done things differently perhaps events would have taken a different course. The anger – why me? The loneliness and sense of displacement in a world that suddenly seems to be missing a vital part.
Two – How Grace’s memories of the good times with Henry are cleverly evoked through fragments of their conversations that demonstrate their shared sense of humour. She-Ra as boyhood fantasy figure anyone?
Three – How Grace and Henry both loved Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol and re-read it often together. (This brought a tear to my eye as my husband and I also share a love of this book, though we’ve never read it aloud to each other doing all the voices…)
Four – The Three Wise Men: the three lovely men Grace meets at the cemetery on her regular visits to tend Henry’s grave. Each of them is mourning someone close to them as well. They provide valuable companionship in love, loss, grief and memory…even if that does mean putting up with the same awful jokes every time.
Five – The incidental characters: Dermot, Grace’s boss and frustrated actor; Betty, Grace’s next door neighbour for whom the word ‘nosy’ is too inadequate a description; and Grace’s Mum and Dad, touchingly delighted by each other’s company (their planned outing to Nando’s had me choking on my tea).
Six – Grace’s dogged belief in the idea that there may be parallel worlds and existences in which there could have been a different outcome , a different life and a future together for her and Henry.
Seven – The possibility of second chances in life and in love. Who isn’t drawn to that idea?
Eight – The interesting way the author explores Grace’s conflicted feelings as she gets to know Andy and what at first seems like a miracle turns out to bring all sorts of complications and unintended consequences.
Nine – The question the novel poses: do we ever really truly know anybody? Grace thought she knew everything about Henry – the way he liked his tea, his favourite film. But it transpires there were things about him she could never have imagined.
Ten – The message of the book (at least for me) that you should cherish every moment you have with a loved one....more
I’ll confess from the start that I don’t read a lot of romance or fantasy so this book was perhaps always going to have to work hard for me to love itI’ll confess from the start that I don’t read a lot of romance or fantasy so this book was perhaps always going to have to work hard for me to love it.
There were quite a few things I did really enjoy: • The theme of the healing qualities of the natural world • The engaging picture of an island community, where everyone knows everyone else and you’re not just an anonymous figure amongst thousands • The exploration of grief and guilt following a bereavement and how silence can be a barrier to healing • The process of learning to trust and opening up to another person after a failed relationship
In the end, however, I found the supernatural element didn’t really do it for me and I found it hard to believe in the relationship that Anna forms when she arrives on Seal. It all seemed too sudden and convenient although I appreciate the author was probably trying to explore the idea of fate or destiny. I also felt the introduction of two new points of view towards the end of the book was unnecessary.
Keep Me Safe is undoubtedly romantic, though, and I’m sure there are many readers who will simply adore the story. In my case, I enjoyed it but didn’t fall in love with it.
I received an advance reader copy courtesy of NetGalley and publishers Headline in return for an honest and unbiased review....more
Find all my book reviews, plus fascinating author interviews, exclusive guest posts and book extracts, on my blog: https://whatcathyreadnext.wordpressFind all my book reviews, plus fascinating author interviews, exclusive guest posts and book extracts, on my blog: https://whatcathyreadnext.wordpress.com/
In Letting Go, the reader follows the lives of two young people, Cecile and Langston. In separate story lines that converge at points, we see them navigate life, love and career over a period of more than twenty years. The author’s supreme achievement is to make Cecile and Langston seem so real that the reader cannot help feeling completely invested in their respective life journeys. In their different ways, both Cecile and Langston are searching for fulfilment. And, as so often in life, their stories are filled with missed opportunities, misunderstandings and things left unsaid.
Langston is trying to find love that goes beyond just a physical relationship. He doesn’t want a casual relationship or a series of one night stands. He’s a handsome guy; he could have plenty of those if he wanted. But Langston wants someone he can truly commit to and build a life with, someone who will share his love of food, films and books. Someone like Cecile, in fact. But life events seem destined to get in the way of that happening. Langston is someone who thinks very deeply (too deeply?) about things. He wrestles with his conscience, trying to balance his desire for freedom and independence with his feeling of responsibility for his beloved grandmother who brought him up. And underneath everything is the trauma of his parents’ drug addiction and their rejection of him and his siblings.
Cecile has her own family trauma to overcome. Furthermore, admitted to the prestigious Juilliard School, and alone in a strange city, Cecile initially struggles to overcome her shyness and form friendships with other students. Eventually she finds herself part of a group of fellow black students who can identify with her situation of being a black face in a predominantly white institution. As her life unfolds, Cecile too has inner demons to battle, struggling to balance her religious beliefs and the commitments she has made with her own happiness and fulfilment. Sometimes, it seems she is her own worst enemy: ‘Her brain had always been both a friend and an enemy, making her academic career easy and everything else difficult. Thinking, overthinking, trying not to think…’
The author’s own passion for music (and religious belief) shines through in Cecile. ‘She was amazed at the beauty of a phrase, the joy of flying through a technically difficult passage, the power of being able to create a deafening fortissimo, the delicacy of triple piano. She felt blessed beyond compare to be allowed the gift of music, so she wouldn’t give up on her talent. It would be an insult to the Giver of the gift, a surgical removal of a vital organ.’
And in a clever nod to those with musical knowledge, the book is structured to mirror the elements of a sonata: Introduction, Exposition, Codetta, Development, Recapitulation and Coda. I also liked the author’s use of letters to illustrate the development of the relationship between Cecile and Langston. I always think a shared sense of humour is a great indicator of the strength of, and likely future success of, a relationship.
The book explores a number of other themes, including racial discrimination and the idea that black people have to try harder and be better to be successful than their white counterparts.
I really enjoyed Letting Go and I’ll admit to shedding a little tear at the end and whispering ‘Thank you’ to the author for the book’s conclusion which treads that fine line between telling you too much and leaving you out on a limb. I heartily recommend Letting Go for readers who appreciate a character-driven, authentic story that really immerses you in the lives of its characters.
I received a review copy courtesy of the author in return for an honest and unbiased review. I’d like to thank Maria for her patience in waiting much longer than originally envisaged for me to read and review her book. For me, it was well worth the wait....more
DNF Although I enjoyed the descriptions of the landscape and cuisine of Crete, I couldn't engage with the main character, NellDNF Although I enjoyed the descriptions of the landscape and cuisine of Crete, I couldn't engage with the main character, Nell...more
Find all my book reviews, plus fascinating author interviews, exclusive guest posts and book extracts, on my blog: https://whatcathyreadnext.wordpressFind all my book reviews, plus fascinating author interviews, exclusive guest posts and book extracts, on my blog: https://whatcathyreadnext.wordpress.com/
Alison Brodie knows how to write a story full of verve, humour and memorable characters and she’s done it again with Zenka.
The story, full of twists and turns, is told largely from the point of view of Nicholas, the son of Jack’s first love, and Trevor, Jack’s accountant and trusted right-hand man. I particularly liked the relationship between Jack and Trevor – a kind of prickly bro-mance. ‘Every Christmas they would have lunch at a ludicrously expensive restaurant, go back to the office and watch The Italian Job (Jack’s choice) then Zulu (Trevor’s choice) while working through a giant box of luxury chocolates.’ Picturing this had me laughing out loud – the film choices of The Italian Job and Zulu were just so perfect! It probably helps that my husband’s name is also Trevor and that he would not be disappointed to watch either of those films on Christmas Day!
Every so often, Zenka, via her hilarious letters to her friend, Alina, pops up to act as the reader’s guide to the other characters and with her own very individual take on events in the book. From her letters, we get a sense of the inner steel behind the bubbly, colourful exterior. As the lady herself says, ‘Nobody can ignore Zenka Valentina Varga if she does not vant to be ignored!’ Actually, I would have been happy to have had more Zenka in the book. I particularly liked the scenes depicting Nicholas and Zenka’s first encounters.
Alison Brodie’s trademark comic touch is evident throughout the book and there are some great one-liners: ‘Jack and Zenka were busy concocting ways to “bring out the gorilla” in Nicholas but the truth was, they’d have more success turning Noddy into The Terminator.’
Alison Brodie does a great job of bringing together all the pieces of the jigsaw at the end of the book and slotting them into place to provide a satisfyingly complete and suitably festive picture – with a few surprises thrown in. Having had just a glimpse of Alison’s writing journey for this book, I know how hard she works on refining it so it’s good as possible. Well, all her efforts have definitely paid off with Zenka. If you love a crime caper with a touch of mystery, a sprinkling of romance and a healthy dose of black humour, this is the book for you.
I received an advance reader copy courtesy of the author in return for an honest and unbiased review....more
