Category Archives: Fiction/Literature

I’ve come across a number of D.E. Stevenson books that I haven’t read before. This is one of them. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

There a few references to natives in Africa that, by today’s outlook, seem out of step. However, when you look at the date that the book was written, it comes clear. It is still offensive but it only a small part of the book.

(more…)

I became hooked on Sophie Kinsella books, years ago, when I read “The Undomesticated Goddess.”

I enjoyed this most recent book, which centers on a family in crisis. So much could have been avoided if only they had been willing to talk to one another. However, like most people, they are not willing to do so.

In that sense, it is a snap shot of what is going on with so many individuals. The main character, Effie, is certainly one who keeps things to herself.

(more…)

I read a number of Elizabeth Cadell books when I was younger. This particular book, is one that I could never track down. So, while reading the ebook versions of many of her books, is like visiting old friends I haven’t seen for a while, reading this book is making a new and treasured friend.

The story is so funny, I kept laughing out loud. My husband wanted me to talk to him about it but I knew he would want to read it for himself.

(more…)

One of the latest books I’ve read in my binge of older books, is “Susan Settles Down” by Molly Clavering. It was written long ago and, as such, has a lot going on that would never happen today. For the most part, I find all of it charming.

The story is a slice of life and some of the funny parts don’t translate as well as I don’t know the reference points, but that is what searches on the internet are for.

A brother and sister (Oliver and Susan) go to Scotland to make a new home for themselves. The village people are quite different from what they are used to. The two are a bit smug and feel they are just a tad above their neighbors.

(more…)

I loved “The Lark Shall Sing” which is the first book in this series of three novels by Elizabeth Cadell. I started reading this book expecting more of the same.

While the book is excellently written, it hits a lot of sad notes rather than the charming and funny ones in the first book. I ended it feeling lower than before.

(more…)

I’ve been on a binge of reading older books recently. I find them witty, charming and, most of all, well-written. I had read a couple of books by D.E. Stevenson when I was a teenager. Even then, they were out of print and available only at my small, local library.

I had not read this book, but picked it up to try. I was complete hooked, right from the start. That is actually a bit of the plot as well.

Miss Buncle writes a book based on her small village, complete with characters that are almost exactly like the individuals who people it. People who read the book, get hooked on it whether they love it or hate it.

(more…)

Recently, I’ve been reading more and more books set in post World War I Europe. These are recent books which are given the advantage of 20/20 hindsight. I thought I would like to try some books that were actually written during the period and this is one of those books.

I wasn’t sure what to expect as I had not read any books by this author before (except for The Rescuers as a child.) At first, I didn’t have a lot of sympathy for the main character; in fact, I found her very unlikeable.

(more…)

What a letdown. I read this book as a follow-on to the first in the series (The Tidelands.) While I had a few issues with the first book, I was intrigued enough to want to know the continuing story of Alinor and James.

That is not this book. The author jumps over 21 years and, from Alinor’s standpoint, summarizes the time in a couple of paragraphs.

Alinor is a shadow character in this book and has gone from loving and forgiving to rather bitter and, to say the least, unforgiving.

James has become incredibly stupid. He is duped from the get-go by a conniving young woman. For that matter, so is almost everyone else. That this young woman is transparently evil almost goes without saying. The book actually becomes mostly her story with everyone else as hangers-on.

(more…)

I’ve been a fan of Jill Mansell for many years. Her books always leave me feeling happy. While the endings are feel good, there is much of real life also included.

In this book, we follow the relationship between Didi and Shay. They were together as teenagers but split apart when Shay moved away following a huge blow up. Years later, Shay is back in town but Didi is engaged and is to be married shortly.

(more…)

I read one of Catherine Gaskin’s books when I was young. I recently came across The Lynmara Legacy and decided to give it a read.

It is a compelling novel. It captured me from the beginning. I wasn’t sure which way the book was heading at any time. There were scenarios that I thought would continue but things changed in the space of a few paragraphs and would send me reeling but also reaching for the book until I finished it.

It’s not often a book stays with me for weeks after I read it but this one has. There are elements that will continue to be part of my thoughts for a long, long time.

(more…)