The Island by Victoria Hislop

This was a fabulous read. Selected from Mount TBR for a trip away on Friday night. I started reading in the early hours of Friday morning and finished in Scotland on Saturday. I could barely put down and did so reluctantly.

Alexis is about to go on holiday with her boyfriend, to the country of her mother's birth Greece. She knows nothing about her heritage and suggests that she might visit the village her mother was born in. Armed with a letter to one of her mother's friends Alexis embarks on a journey that she will never forget.

Having reached Crete she leaves her boyfriend heads to the village. She embarks on a trip to the nearby deserted island of Spinalonga, which she establishes is a former leper colony. She spends a few hours there and heads back to the village to seek out her mother's friend. She meets up with Fortini who then shares with her the loves and lives of her mother and the generations that went before her and the connection the family has to Spinalonga.



A wonderfully written book and is recommended.

A Redbird Christmas by Fannie Flagg

I bought this book at one of the charity shops in Newton Abbot. I was in the midst of a book which I left at home, as my meeting was delayed I had chance to search for a book to fill the time with. I started this in the wee hours of Sunday morning, and finished it this morning.

It is the very gentle story of Oswald, who is advised to move South. He does and is soon involved within the local community - Patsy who is neglected and had a bad leg, Roy and his redbird, who had been injured and wasn't likely to pull through, but did. I loved the characters - gentle and genuine and at a rather delicate time in my life this book was a gentle one to read, and was quite comforting.

Bond of Blood by Benjamin Nicholls

Continuing the story from Trial by Fire Tom discovers that he can travel in time, and manages to "meet" his ancestors and relatives in earlier times. What genealogist wouldn't like to visit earlier times and speak to their ancestors? Tom begins to care deeply for his ancestors and shares his concerns and excitements with his friend Mary. He learns that even though he can talk to his ancestors he can not change the events of history, and has to deal with all the emotions he feels when he witnesses events that he would rather not see. References to genealogical tools, such as the IGI and GRO the author has clearly done some research.

Written in a young adult style, this book continues the story and was very enjoyable. I am delighted to see from the author's web site that there is to be another three books in the series.

Scuba Dancing by Nicola Slade

I enjoyed the wonderfully eccentric characters, and like many readers before me, devoured this fairly quickly. It was what I would call a "comforting read"

Back on Blossom Street by Debbie Macomber

Another fabulous book following the lives, loves and tribulations of the residents & workers of Blossom Street. Linda's knitting shop embarks on another class, this time knitting a prayer shawl, with a mixture of new and old students - Alix now a baker and about to marry Jordan, Susannah who owns the flower shop next door and Colette who works for Susannah.

Colette is also lives above A Good Yarn, having moved in when Linda married Brad and moved out. Margaret, Linda's sister doesn't trust Colette believing that she has something to hide, which she does, but not is all as it first appears.

I wonder if there will be anymore in the series about Blossom Street, perhaps about the bookshop? - I do hope so!

Debbie Macomber has a real gift for writing in such a genuine fashion and manages to fully encompass the emotions of the characters.

Anyone for a book ring - Liz, Audrey , .........?

Amy's Honeymoon by Julia Llewellyn

This wasn't the usual chick lit. Amy has spent a fortune on a wedding; only the groom has changed his mind! so Amy decides to go on the honeymoon anyway. Just as she is planning to leave the hotel, the ex groom arrives and has decided he wants to get married afterall. Does Amy take him back?........

Small Town Girl by LaVyrle Spencer

This had been on my TBR pile mountain for too long.

Tess has come home, pressured by her two sisters to help their aged mother following a hip operation. Tess leaves behind, albeit, temporarily, her life as a singer in Nashville. Struggling to adapt, Tess feels uncomfortable with the amount of time, her mother's neighbour, Kevin spends with her mother. Worse still he was the "nerd" at school and suffered at the hands of Tess.

Tess takes a shine to Kevin's daughter Casey who is a wonderful singer. Together they spend time co-writing a song and when Tess offers to take Casey to Nashville so they can record the song, Kevin agreeds.

This is a wonderfully gentle story of remembering our roots, friends and love.

Sullivan's Island: A Lowcountry Tale by Dorothea Benton Frank

Picked up at the UnCon and read already! What a great book. I started this on Sunday night last week, I was unable to sleep as I had an early flight to Leeds and could not settle, so braved Mr AR being grumpy and had the side light on. By the end of Monday the book had been devoured.

It is the story of Susan, married to Tom and the mother of Beth. Susan is fairly happy, she had a tough childhood, but felt the love of her family and survived the upheavals she has endured. Working as a librarian, Susan leaves for work forgetting an important report. She returns home to find her husband of 16 years in bed with a younger woman. Susan's life suddenly changes.

There is a fabulous scene involving Susan getting her own back on Tom, involving some time in the bathroom, a toilet, a toothbrush and two bottles of aftershave. A woman scorned! Written with humour, even though, as readers we can feel Susan's pain.

To enable Susan to cope with the devestation she feels Susan flashes back to her childhood, her father and his values in an America which was struggling to that regardless of the colour of your skin everyone is equal. Susan has a very special relationship with the housekeeper, Livvy, who is black and is the descendant of slaves.

This is the story of love, friendship,forgiveness and equality. A really enjoyable book, one that I was disappointed to finish.

The Quilter's Homecoming (Elm Creek Quilters Novels) by Jennifer Chiaverini

Not one of my favourite's in the series, but nonetheless, a super read to continue the series.

Elizabeth and her beloved Henry head off to start their life together in Califonia, believing that they are the proud owners of a farm called Triumph Farm, only to find when they reach California they have been conned and the farm they thought they owned is owned by someone else. Forced to work as hired hands to the owners, Henry and Elizabeth are committed to rebuilding their lives and their savings.

As a way of making ends meet, Elizabeth is forced to sell her beloved quilts, gifts from family at Elm Creek. Alas, Elizabeth saves enough to buy two of the three quilts back, with the third quilt being sold to someone else......

50 Harbor Street by Debbie Macomber (Cedar Cove Series)

On loan from Liz, this is book 5 in the series, about the lives and loves of the residents of Cedar Creek.

Corrie & Roy McAffee final solve their own personal mystery, Judge Olivia has a near scare with hubby Jack, plus the wedding of her nearest friend Grace and the wedding of Olivia's mother Charlotte. It really does all happen in Cedar Cove.

On its way to Audrey.



What a fabulous little series of books, are there anymore? I do hope so!

44 Cranberry Point by Debbie Macomber (Cedar Cove Series)

On loan Liz, from the fourth book in this series continues to be as addictive as ever.

The lives, tribulations and loves of the residents of Cedar Cove continue. Peggy and Bob who run the Bed & Breakfast in Cedar Creek are still caught up in the remainder of the mystery from the Vietnam days; The friendship with McAfree's continue to grow, but they have their own mystery to solve. Added to that a few babies, a couple of marriages and not to mention the Dog & Batchelor party, what more could a reader of Cedar Cove want?

Being passed to Audrey

311 Pelican Court by Debbie Macomber (Cedar Cove Series)

Third book in the delightful and addictive Cedar Cove series. On loan from Liz

In this book we follow the story of Rosie and Zach who were introduced in book two. The storyline of Grace and her two daughters are developed further as are the characters of Jack's son Eric. Also there is a mystery to solve who is the man who died in the bed and breakfast run by friends of Jack and how does the deceased link to Grace's husband Dan?

This is a fabulous series. On the pile for Audrey

204 Rosewood Lane by Debbie Macomber (Cedar Cove Series)

On loan from Liz. Second book in the series.

Debbie Macomber continues with the lives of the Olivia and Jack; Charlotte her mother, Grace and the disappearance and death of her husband Dan. We also see the introduction of Rosie and Zach.

Simply wonderful!

On its way to Audrey.

16 Lighthouse Road by Debbie Macomber (Cedar Cove Series)

On loan from Liz. This is the first in the Cedar Cove series and was great and I am just about to wizz through book two!

This is the story of Judge Olivia Lockhart, her daughter Justine, then there is the young couple torn apart in grief who are presenting a case for divorce in Olivia's court room, not if Olivia has anything to do with it. Add to that Olivia's friend Grace and her husband Dan, who vanishes after 35 years of marriage, Olivia's mother Charlotte who writes a senior's column in the local paper, edited by Olivia's friend, Jake, plus a few others and we have the central characters to Cedar Cove.

What I enjoy about the Debbie Macomber writing style is her ability to identify with genuine issues as the lives of the characters unfold, and for the duration of the book I am walking along side those characters in Cedar Cove.

Now on its way to Audrey.

The Founding: The Moreland Dynasty by Cynthia Harrod-Eagles

What a fabulous book, I want to read more! Now in the desperate search for book two.

This is the story of Eleanor, married to a wealthy family in a turbulent England. The story unfolds with moving from her beloved Dorset to Yorkshire with her husband and his father. Eleanor is actually a woman before her times, who later on has her focus on the business of the family and bringing up her children. This is a storyline that reminds us of that in previous times, women were possessions of their spouses, who should produce male heir's to continue the family name and wealth. This was a time that to marry for love was a bonus!

If you enjoy historical novels then this is a good series to read, for the author has clearly spent much time researching 15th Century England.

Going into my permenant collection for a wee while, until I locate my own copy

Roots and All, A History of the Eaton & Hastings families by Dinah Eaton

From the back cover

"There are more skeletons and high dramas within Dinah Eaton’s family than most family historians could ever wish for. She has traced her own and her husband’s forebears back to the mid-eighteenth century with contributions from around the world. Family members, and lovers of family history, will find this a fascinating story. The story of the EATONS, firmly ensconced in Kent (Rochester and Gravesend), starts with George Eaton (1761) joining the West Kent Militia during the Napoleonic Wars. The MATTHEWS and MERRITT families were from Market Lavington in Wiltshire. William Merritt was an informer during the local Swing Riots in 1832. His illegitimate granddaughter was brought up by a member of the aristocratic Knollys family. The FINCHES from Aylesford and the GOODWINS from Northfleet (both in Kent) led more conventional lives and were pawnbrokers, publicans, coopers and thatchers. Generations of the HASTINGS family joined the Royal Navy. Charles (1788) was killed in Australia, son Charles was shipwrecked off Chile in 1835 and rescued by Captain FitzRoy of Beagle fame. The RAYNERS from Yorkshire had mining and medical connections. Follow the lives of six children orphaned in 1866 when both parents died. The HEATHS worked in the lace industry in Nottingham and the JONES were from Margate in Kent. Dinah’s German great great grandfather was a LOEWENSTEIN lost over-board in the North Sea in 1863. Later generations led chequered lives with intrigue and scandal which shocked the family in the early 1900s."

The author's web page is HERE

I've been asked to review this book for the Hampshire Genealogical Society, whose website is HERE

ISBN - 09552605-0-7

Here is my review:

At just under 500 pages, Roots and All, A History of the Eaton & Hastings families, is an impressive account of the author's family and that of her husband. Complete with 30 genealogical trees indicating line of descent, 340 photographs, 12 maps & original pen & ink sketches. Thoroughly researched, indexed and footnoted, this is a fascinating account of the author's family history and an ideal source of inspiration to fellow Genealogists, and not to mention a very enjoyable read!

Night by Elie Wiesel

I hadn't intended to start reading this one as soon as it was opened from the delightful NSSSS parcel, but I did. The front cover reveals "A slim volume of terrifying power - The New York Times", That is a very accurate assessment of this little book, which contains only 120 pages. The harrowing story of the author and his struggle for survival.

I'm going to rate this little book a 9/10. Not because It was a good read, like isisjem, I don't feel that I can rate it with that in mind, but purely because a piece of the book remains with me.

The Dangerous Sports Euthanasia Society by Christine Coleman

What a super book, Only put down once I started it because various life events made me! The characters were written and developed with a sense of realness to them. I loved the character of Agnes, who at nearly 75 years "escapes" the old people's home she is residing in to visit her grandchildren. Once she has embarked upon her journey she meets new people and makes friends with those who want her to succeed in her quest. While Agnes is on her journey, her son Jack is on a different type of journey, he is struggling with his inner being, thinking back on perhaps the things he could have done differently, with his ex wife, his mother and with Monica his new partner. Jack is worried that something terrible has happened to Agnes. Meanwhile, a young and inexperienced policeman believes Jack is guilty of a serious crime.

This signed copy going into my permanent collection for a while.

The Perfect Paragon (An Agatha Raisin Mystery) by M C Beaton

Another wonderful read in the life of Agatha, with her friend Charles and all the usual village friends. Agatha is pining for James Lacey,is getting on with her detective business, but is she keeping out of trouble?!!

Toast: The Story of a Boy's Hunger by Nigel Slater

This was one of the Times reads for 99p range earlier this year. A delightful book, written as a series of small recollectings of past times. Funny in places with some sad bits and lots of descriptive bits about food, and his childhood.

I enjoyed this, as I read it I also took a trip down memory lane, school milk, which has a very similiar effect on me to that of the author, having suffered a similiar fate as a child at junior school. The ponderings of an artic roll, we had one for desert about three days after I read this, the first time in probably 25 years! not to mention the walnut whips I purchased and consumed as a result of memory lane!

Capability's Eden by Diana Saville

I wasn't sure how I felt about this book when I finished it a few weeks ago, and I am still not sure now.

It is the story of Robert, a landscape architect who has devoted his life to his work and the cost of his wife, well ex wife and daughter. Offered a job in the South West of England to create The Garden of Eden. Robert accepts the job and is soon caught up in the work and things spiral out of control.

Knitting by Anne Bartlett

I read this over the last week or so, while my internet connection was done, by coincidence almost a year to the day from placing on a teetering mount TBR.

A really gentle story of Sandra who is a widow, who helps a stranger in the street who has had an accident. She leaves her card with a fellow bystander, Martha. As time progresses the three of them meet, each wrestling with their innerselves and trying to deal with their personal issues. Martha is a very keen knitter who helps Sandra host an exhibition of women's knitting and textiles.

This is more than a story about a couple of women interested in wool. It is the story of acceptance,grief,understanding and tolerance; and most of all, friendship.

Animal Dreams by Barbara Kingsolver

I struggled with this book. I have tried several times to get beyond the first 60 pages, but can't. A huge shame, but there is something about the way the author writes that I struggle with. I had similar feelings with another novel by the same author.

Blue Slipper Bay by Wendy K Harris

Started this book, while sitting in the departure lounge at Bristol airport sipping a iced mocha from Starbucks, complete with cream, to cheer me up for a delayed flight. That was Tuesday evening and by Wednesday night, in Leeds I had finished the book. It certainly helped by heartburn from having dinner on Tuesday night so late!

The book was lovely, a very gentle story and one that I really enjoyed. My only disappointment was that I had not read the first book, but no matter. The characters were warm and felt very real, and the emotions displayed in the book by Sophie & Nick could easily be identifiable.

Looking forward to reading the next in the trilogy.

Welcome to the Great Mysterious by Lorna Landvik

I wasn't convinced that I was enjoying this books, then all of a sudden I was caught up in the depths of the book, enjoying as a Geneva starts to bond and feel comfortable with her Nephew Rick. Like , I found that there were a few laughs and tears.

The Boy Who Loved Anne Frank: A Novel by Ellen Feldman

This book was a work of fiction based upon a true event, and I was mid way through the book before I re-read the dust jacket. The families of Peter and Anne went into hiding in Holland during World War Two. During that time Anne kept a diary and both amazingly and sadly the book survived the horrors of the War, whereas the only surviver of the two families was infact Anne's father.

In the book, we follow the life of Peter. How he would have coped and rebuilt his life; and found someways of dealing with being the survivor, when all his loved ones did not. In the book, Peter is wrestling with his inner self; he pretends that he is not Jewish, builds a wall of silence that even his wife and business partner can not break through.

This is a well pulled together, thought provoking book and one based on the word IF.

The Friday Night Knitting Club by Kate Jacobs

The gentle story of Georgia and her daughter Dakota. Georgia is a single mum. James, Dakota's father moved from the USA to France and Georgia was left to raise their baby alone. Through a meeting with a lady in the park she starts Walker and Daughter a yarn shop, which is the venue for the Friday Knitting Club. Life is calm and progressive, until James re enters their lives and wants to get to know his daughter. Just as things start to develop between Georgia and James, something dreadful happens, which leaves the family and friends of Georgia devastated. A really good book, interspersed with knitting pattens and recipes. This is the story of determination, friendship and love.

Veil of Roses by Laura Fitzgerald

This is the story of Tami, who receives the gift from her parents of a small bottle of American sand and a plane ticket to America. Such simple gifts, but with a very special meaning. Tami flies to America, on the flight she removes her hejab and has a glass of wine, both actions are forbidden in Iran. Tami has about to start a new chapter in her life, and to do so, she must marry within 3 months, or return to Iran. Tami meets a group through her English language classes and Ike, who works at the local Starbucks. She starts to build her life, always aware that the clock on her visa is ticking. She meets two men, who will marry her,but each in their own way wish to control her just as as though they would be in Iran. Just as it appears that Tami will have to return to Iran, she is presented with a situation that enables her to follow her heart.

For me this was a very reflective storyline. It enables me to appreciate how lucky I am to live in a different and free society and like all good books, this will remain with me for some time to come.

Meme!

snaffled from Beebarf on Live Journal

I am a Canna What Flower Are You?

Book Meme

Snaffled from Caffyolay on Live Journal

Hardback, trade paperback or mass market paperback?
Either

Barnes & Noble or Borders?
Any bookshop is wonderful!

Bookmark or dog-ear?
Book mark or anything to prevent me from dog-earing a page. I've even been know to use loo roll!

Amazon or brick and mortar?

Alphabetize by author or alphabetize by title or random?
Usually by size of book

Keep, throw away or sell?
Usually keep

Keep dust jacket or toss it?
Keep

Read with dust jacket or remove it?
With dust jacket

Short story or novel?
Novel

Harry Potter or Lemony Snicket?
Harry Potter

Stop reading when tired or at chapter breaks?
Both

"It was a dark and stormy night" or "Once upon a time"?
"It was a dark and stormy night"

Buy or borrow?
Buy or perhaps a book ring.

New or used?
Either, I buy both

Buying choice: book reviews, recommendations or browse?
All of these

Tidy ending or cliffhanger?
Depends on the book.

Morning reading, afternoon reading, night-time reading?
Whenever possible! - If I find the book totally gripping I will read and read until finished then feel quite sad that it is finished!

Stand-alone or series?
Both, but I do like to read a series back to back

Favourite series?
I'm greedy, and having more than one - Books by Jennifer Chiaverini, Sue Grafton, Janet Evanovich, Diana Gabaldon & Harry Potter

Favourite children's book?
Spiderwick Chronicles

Favourite YA book?
Not sure

Favourite book of which nobody else has heard?
THE SAMPLER (A Miscellany of other people’s lives) by Judith S. Campbell

Favourite books read last year?
STRENGTH WITHIN: THE GRANGER CHRONICLES by Lee Ann Eckhardt Smith

THE PIANO SHOP ON THE LEFT BANK by Thad Carhart

Favourite books of all time?

Floating Brothel by SIan Rees & A town like Alice by Neville Shute

Least favourite book finished last year?
THE SALT LETTERS by Christine Balint

What are you reading right now?
Just finished Veil of Roses by Laura Fitzgerald

What are you reading next?
Welcome to the Great Mysterious by Lorna Landvik

Favourite book to recommend to an eleven-year old?
Harry Potter series

Favourite book to reread?
Too many to mention

Do you ever smell books?
Yes!

Do you ever read Primary source documents?
Yes

Blue Latitudes by Tony Horwitz

I really enjoyed this book. It was the mix of travel and history, intermingled with good humour. The author follows the trail of Captain Cook, from Tahiti through to New Zealand,Botony Bay,The Great Barrier Reef,Savage Island,Tonga,North Yorkshire, London, Alaska and Hawaii. This book is truely history brought alive.

Buried treasure: travels through the jewel box by Victoria Finlay

I did enjoy this book; it was a steady combination of history,travel,geology and social anthropology. It was a very informative book, but I did find, like the previous reader of the book ring, that the author was fairly clinical about how she pulled the threads of the book together, but nonetheless, I did find the book interesting.

A Gentle Madness : Bibliophiles, Bibliomanes, and the Eternal Passion for Books by Nicholas Basbanes

I have had this book much too long (it arrived in January!), but I have devoured it slowly! This arrived but remained as home reading because of its lack of portability. What a wonderful read, and I have just purchased my own copy of this super book. I especially enjoyed reading of the library of Samuel Pepys, and the historical aspect of how libraries became established.

Homework, Week 16, 2007: Vivid Memories

Describe the clearest, most vivid memory of your childhood.....

I consider myself to be lucky; I can remember back to the age of about 3 years old. Visiting my Great Grandmother, She was poorly, mainly due to being elderly, when I was 3 years old, she would have been 93. She would invite me to sit on her bed and cuddle up, which once I was lifted onto the bed, I of course did. She was fun great grandma and always had time for me, even though I must have exhausted her! She would sit, leaning against 3 or 4 pillows with a beaming smile. She had a rounded face and her silvery hair pulled back into a bun. I don't remember her passing away, or even being aware that I was no longer visiting her.

I have some super photos of her, but this one is my favourite.



Sitting down is my great great Grandmother Caroline Harris, nee Ellis (born 1844) with four of her children, Annie (far left) was my great grandmother, along with her sisters Mabel, Kate and Rose.

Do It Tomorrow and Other Secrets of Time Management by Mark Forster

A fascinating read, with some useful concepts for time management and clearing those backlogs! Written in simple and easy to understand language.

- Be able to declare a ‘backlog’ of work

- Be aware that having a priority list can be an excuse for being reactive to so-called emergency tasks and leaving ‘less important’ tasks until whenever

- Be disciplined and ordered, and have systems and stick to them

- Being on top of work is important and desirable, as it allows for a better work home balence

- Closed Lists are much better than open-ended ‘to do’ lists...better to have a smaller contained ‘will do’ checklist

- Little-and-often gets the job done!

- Starting is the hardest part and once you have the rest is easy!

Today's Guardian Supplement

The UK newspaper ,"The Guardian" (Saturday) has a 92-page supplement on Family History. Aimed at beginners, it guides the way to take research further.

Read the online version

Happy reading!

Who Do You Think You Are?

The Society of Genealogist Fair have teamed to host the Who Do you think you are ? Live



The entrance fee has increased from £8 to £20 per person, but there is a special offer on at the moment of 2 for £20 + a £1.30 service charge. The venue has changed this year and is the price includes the costs of any of the workshops. (To get the special ticket price you need to book by 22nd April)

I've been pondering if to attend. I usually make the effort to the usual SOG fair at the beginning of May and tie it in with a small dollop of retail therapy at Guildford and see some relatives. Hubby doesn't think he'll come to the venue, which happens to be Olympia this year, but will go fishing at a fishery he has been itching to try.

Are there any other Genealogical Book Crossers going?

Books With Stories

I spotted this on Flickr. Fascinating blog, all about old books - perfect!

More Katie Fforde's!

Catching up on my Journaling and Live Journaling. I read these three last month, they were a poor attempt to reduce mount TBR!

Stately Pursuits by Katie Fforde

Hetty goes to housesit for Great Uncle Samuel, the house is falling apart, and Samual's heir has plans for the rambling house, but after meeting Hetty can he follow them through?.......



Wild Designs by Katie Fforde

After losing her job, Althea decides to develop her passion for gardening. When she wins the opportunity to design a garden at the Chelsea Flower Show - with the unexpected help of gorgeous architect Patrick Donahugh - it looks as though she may have unearthed a new man as well as a new career.



Life Skills by Katie Fforde

A combination of overwork and jet-leg propel Julia Fairfax into becoming engaged to a golf-playing wine buff called Oscar. When she realises that she has fonder feelings for his adorable Labrador than for Oscar himself, she is forced to confront the fact that there is something drastically wrong. So, she ditches her fiance, jacks in her job and decides to revolutionise her life…

Her new career as a cook on a pair of hotel boats is certainly a departure, and teaches her more about life than how to get a couple of narrow boats through a lock. But even afloat Julia's past catches up with her. Not only must she contend with the persistent Oscar (not to mention his frightful mother and her own mother's determined matchmaking), but also the arrival of her childhood enemy, the enigmatic Fergus Grindley

NSSEB April 2007

NSSEB April 2007
Originally uploaded by AnglersRest.

My NSSEB pressie from Amarula40

Hestercombe Gardens

Hestercombe Gardens 027
Originally uploaded by AnglersRest.

It was a beautiful day so decided to take advantage of the great weather and visit Hestercombe Gardens (http://www.hestercombegardens.com) in Cheddar Fitzpaine near Taunton. This is one of my favourite photos and is of Mum and Stuart in the gardens.

Lucinda's Secret Book 3 of Spiderwick Chronicle by Holly Black & Tony DiTerlizzi

Another great little book in this series; full of wonderful words such as boggart! I've not read the second book in the series, but it was easy enough to fill the gaps from the first book.

Kids these days are so lucky with these lovely books.

Coyote Dreams by Jessica Davis Stein

After a slightly slow start I could feel myself becoming absorbed into this book. A business trip buying Native Indian art work for the family successful New York stores leads Sarah to meet and subsequently fall in love with Ben Lonefeather. Ben has struggled; he lives alone sharing his life with three coyote pups he rescued, his life is built around self preservation and he spends his time making jewellery and sculpting.

This is not a typical love story. It is the story of two people from different walks of life, different religon's and cultures. Are they prepared, once they admit they love each other to build a life together without others approval?

After a slightly slow start I could feel myself becoming absorbed into this book, and I really enjoyed it. It is written in a very comfortable manner and the storyline has a very gentle feel to it. One for the permanent collection!

Sisters in the Wilderness by Charlotte Gray

A fascinating account of two sisters who married and migrated to Canada out of necessity in the early 1830s. Even though these two women (and the family they left behind) were authors, they were not exempt the severe hardship that pioneering Canada would entail. Ironically, when I bought the book I had not been aware that the very area they had migrated too, was infact the area where my own family would migrate too twenty years later.

The book gives not only details of the life the two women experienced in Canada, but of the life that was endured by their relatives back in England and the circumstances that lead to them migrating in the first place. This is the story of two very brave and resourceful women, who were ahead of their time.

There are some wonderfully descriptive passages showing just what pioneering this part of Canada meant. Buying land, clearing the forest areas and establishing and building a house. Meanwhile, both the sisters relied heavily on their spouses, this was a time when men made the decisions, good and bad and women endured the outcome. Nonetheless, both sisters commenced their writing career in Canada, and later, so did their brother Samuel. Their sister Agnes, who remained in England also wrote and assisted them as best she could.

A lovely descriptive and informative book, complete with photographs (not colour),maps,sources,several family trees and an index

The Our Roots web page has various books online. These are the books available online from this family.

Life in the Clearings Versus the Bush by Susanna Moodie

The Canadian Emigrant Housekeeper's Guide by Catherine Parr Traill (1802-1899)

Twenty-seven years in Canada West, or, The experience of an early settler. Vol. 1 & Vol 2 by Agnes Strickland & Samuel Strickland

The Inheritance of Loss by Kiran Desai

I am disappointed to say that I have really struggled with this book. I found it immensely difficult to remain focused despite holding onto the book for over the month. I am now at the point that if I can't manage it in five weeks I'm probably not going to.

It is very rare that I give a book less than 5/10, alas this scored a 4. A huge shame as I had been looking forward to reading it.

Twelve Sharp by Janet Evanovich

Arrived the day before I was heading off on a business trip. I could not resist this one and ring jumped it! It proved to be ideal travel & hotel reading, and I wasn't disappointed with number 12 of the series.

Stephanie does seem to get into some real pickles; and I found this one as funny as the rest of the series. There is less of Grandma and Stephanie appears to be growing up, ever so slightly! and of course more of Morelli and Ranger.....wonderful!

Practically Perfect by Katie Fforde

Another great book from Katie Fforde. If it is book to escape with you can not go far wrong with one written by Katie Fforde!

Anna has bought a lovely cottage that needs lots doing to it. She can put her hand to any DIY job, and plans to get the house up and running within budget. She forms a lovely friendship with the lady who lives next door. With a short time, Anna has acquired a dog called Caroline and has met the "dog and building police" to whom Anna finds herself slightly attracted to. Then there is her old college lecturer.......

Paradise Fields by Katie Fforde

Nell is a widow, with three children, all at college. Nell spends lots of time fundraising for the local hospice who use the land called Paradise Fields owned by one of the locals. When he dies, the land is passed to his son who has, along with the director of the hospice and a local builder has other ideas. Nell decides to find a way around this and then enters the Solicitor for the family, despite being on opposing sides, Nell is attracted to him.......

The Rose Revived by Katie Fforde

The story of May,Sally & Harriet. They met by chance whilst working for "Slimeball Slater" and when they realised they were being exploited they decided to form their own company. Each of them are short of money and yet they get by despite some serious upsets and of course all live happily everafter with the men of their dreams, eventually!

Another relaxing read from Katie Fforde

The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas by John Boyne

From Random Books

"This is a truly extraordinary book which has already become a bestseller all over the world in hardback. Read as much by adults as the older children for whom it was originally published, it is the story of a 9yr old called Bruno, another boy called Schmuel – and a fence. It is Berlin, year 1942.

When Bruno returns home from school one day, he discovers that his belongings are being packed in crates. His father has received a promotion and the family must move from their home to a new house far, far away, where there is no one to play with and nothing to do. A tall fence running alongside stretches as far as the eye can see and cuts him off from the strange people he can see in the distance. But Bruno longs to be an explorer and decides that there must be more to this desolate new place than meets the eye. And that’s when he meets Schmuel – the boy in the striped pyjamas."

Written from the perspective of a child, complete with the innocence of childhood, this was an incrediably powerful story, and one that will remain with me for sometime.

Tracing Your Roots, 4.30-5.00pm Radio 4

Tracing Your Roots, 4.30-5.00pm, 12th March. Serial of 6.

New series. Sally Magnusson explores how to trace your family history and delve into ancestors' lives and times. The team would welcome your input with stories of family history or burning questions about how to do the detective work. email: tracingyourroots@bbc.co.uk
http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/tracingyourroots/pip/q43t2/

Bricks and Mortals,11-11.30am Radio 4

Bricks & Mortals, 11-11.30am Starting 9th March Radio 4. Series of 4.

Series bringing the past to life through historic buildings and the imaginary lives of the ordinary people who lived there. Series of 4.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/bricksandmortals/

Tuesdays with Morrie: An Old Man, a Young Man, and Life's Greatest Lesson by Mitch Albom

I finished this book over the weekend, and wanted to take a few days to reflect on it. I found that it was actually a powerful book, allowing us as readers to identify with ourselves that we really don't know what is around the corner. We each have someone who has in someway shaped our lives or perhaps someone that we greatly admire. This was the story of admiration,friendship,understanding, acceptance, death and mortality. Morrie had such dignity that was actually refreshing and I feel that we can all learn a great deal from this book, no matter how often it is read. Definitely one for the bookshelf and I shall acquire a copy for my PC.