Sunday, 17 August 2008
Dove in the Window (Benni Harper Mystery) by Earlene Fowler
Another great one in the life,time and tribulations of Benni Harper. A party and shindig at the ranch owned by Benni's father results in a murder and later a follow up. Benni's former brother in law is in the frame and much to the dislike of Gabe, Benni sets out to prove he is innocent......
Tuesday, 12 August 2008
The Binding Chair by Kathryn Harrison
I have read back through the two sets of Journal Entries and the website that was placed in one JE about foot binding, as I could really "visualize" the process from the description in the book, and for me that was crucial to understand the storyline.
Essentially, this is the story of Mae who is married to a silk merchant and is his fourth wife, she flees him to a life in a Shanghai brothel, which is preferable to her married life. In 1899 she meets and marries an Australian called Arthur. The time line does flit from past to present, which I found in part irritating,but nonetheless,I continued to read.The ending is both dramatic and unexpected.
Essentially, this is the story of Mae who is married to a silk merchant and is his fourth wife, she flees him to a life in a Shanghai brothel, which is preferable to her married life. In 1899 she meets and marries an Australian called Arthur. The time line does flit from past to present, which I found in part irritating,but nonetheless,I continued to read.The ending is both dramatic and unexpected.
Monday, 11 August 2008
The Tea House on Mulberry Street by Sharon Owens
There was something of a charm about this book,and as I predicted when the book arrived,it was devoured quickly,and ring jumped two books, shh, don't tell anyone!
Essentially set in Northern Ireland and covers the lives,loves and tribulations of some of those who frequent a tea shop. Some of the characters were horried, and others remarkably sweet - the story of Clare and Peter! There was a familiarity with this storyline - it reminded me of The Hat Shop on the Corner by Marita Conlon-McKenna, albeit,that was set in Southern Ireland.
Does anyone fancy reading The Hat Shop on the corner?
Sunday, 10 August 2008
The Winding Ways Quilt: An Elm Creek Quilts Novel by Jennifer Chiaverini
The latest in the Elm Creek Series. Several of the Elm Creek Quilters are moving on, Gwen's daughter Sommer who has been working before heading back to university and Gwen's friend Judy who moves out of town with her family. Despite Sarah and Sylvia being sad, Sarah has some news of her own.....an addition or two to the residents of Elm Creek.
Lesa’s Book Critiques
I came across this fascinating blog, with lots of recommendations for books, as if I needed any more!
Friday, 1 August 2008
Twenty Wishes by Debbie Macomber
Synopsis
Anne Marie Roche is a young widow who manages Blossom Street Books, two doors down from A Good Yarn - the Blossom Street store featured in Wednesdays at Four. Separated from her husband at the time of his death, Anne Marie is grieving his death and has found solace in friends who have also experienced the death of their partner. Together they've created an informal widows' support group and as part of their therapy, each woman in the group makes a list of twenty wishes.Anne Marie's desires include falling in love again, learning how to knit (which is where Lydia from early Blossom Street titles comes in), and becoming a volunteer. In fulfilling her wishes and with a little help from her friends, Anne Marie builds on her relationship with her step-daughter, comes to terms with not only his death, but also her husband's betrayal.
A lovely story, devoured very quickly whilst in Glasgow last month.
Anne Marie Roche is a young widow who manages Blossom Street Books, two doors down from A Good Yarn - the Blossom Street store featured in Wednesdays at Four. Separated from her husband at the time of his death, Anne Marie is grieving his death and has found solace in friends who have also experienced the death of their partner. Together they've created an informal widows' support group and as part of their therapy, each woman in the group makes a list of twenty wishes.Anne Marie's desires include falling in love again, learning how to knit (which is where Lydia from early Blossom Street titles comes in), and becoming a volunteer. In fulfilling her wishes and with a little help from her friends, Anne Marie builds on her relationship with her step-daughter, comes to terms with not only his death, but also her husband's betrayal.
A lovely story, devoured very quickly whilst in Glasgow last month.
Summer at the Villa Rosa by Nicky Pellegrino
Synopsis
Raffaella Moretti, by far the most beautiful girl in the southern Italian town of Triento, is about to marry the only boy she has ever loved. It seems that nothing but happiness lies in store for Raffaella. Yet, just one year later, she is a widow, and has had to take a job as housekeeper in the Villa Rosa, for the young American who is temporarily working in Triento. As Raffaella struggles to recapture her own lost happiness she starts looking for ways to help those around her to do the same. There is Silvana the baker's wife, her passion barely hidden; Carlotta the gardener's daughter with her mysterious grief, and the kind and gentle owner of the Gypsy Tearoom who offers Raffaella friendship. As the lives of these villagers interweave, Raffaella is pulled into the centre of a conflict that threatens not only to divide Triento but also to destroy all she holds dear. Filled with food, love and longing, SUMMER AT THE VILLA ROSA is like taking a seat in a sun-drenched piazza, and becoming a tiny part of the endless spectacle of life there.
Raffaella Moretti, by far the most beautiful girl in the southern Italian town of Triento, is about to marry the only boy she has ever loved. It seems that nothing but happiness lies in store for Raffaella. Yet, just one year later, she is a widow, and has had to take a job as housekeeper in the Villa Rosa, for the young American who is temporarily working in Triento. As Raffaella struggles to recapture her own lost happiness she starts looking for ways to help those around her to do the same. There is Silvana the baker's wife, her passion barely hidden; Carlotta the gardener's daughter with her mysterious grief, and the kind and gentle owner of the Gypsy Tearoom who offers Raffaella friendship. As the lives of these villagers interweave, Raffaella is pulled into the centre of a conflict that threatens not only to divide Triento but also to destroy all she holds dear. Filled with food, love and longing, SUMMER AT THE VILLA ROSA is like taking a seat in a sun-drenched piazza, and becoming a tiny part of the endless spectacle of life there.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Linkwithin
