Holiday selection of love and war, mystery and friendship

Rachel Hore’s books make great holiday reads, and this one is no exception, although it did go deeper than the other stories she has told in the past, and I did find that a bit difficult at times. It actually reminded me a little of Rosamund Pilcher’s “Coming Home. Anyway, “A Gathering Storm” starts off in Cornwall, where a young woman, whose father has recently passed away, is trying to work out why he spent much of his life in sadness. She has found out that his past was briefly linked to Cornwall and in particular, to a famous manor house, and she visits a museum nearby to find out more. The curator introduces her to an elderly lady, who over the week’s stay, she manages to unravel the mystery. It is a very complicated story and it moved me greatly because of the very well-told Second World War scenes. The way she explained what happened to people during WWII really made it clear to me. I could really feel what they went through, what they experienced, and it was very difficult to read at times. I imagined how I would have coped, and I am just full of admiration at how they never lost hope and always kept their pride. There is part of the story, which I have to say, I could not understand. It just did not make sense to me, the choices that the older lady made. But while the character is fictional it is based on real-life figures, and therefore those choices were made, which is sad, but you also cannot deny the courage of these women. Although it wasn’t perfect – there were some loose ends that I would have liked to have seen tidied up -it was a very thought-provoking read, though harrowing in place. The descriptions of Cornwall, however, were fabulous.

So, my second holiday read was The Listerdale Mystery, a collection of short stories by Agatha Christie, and once again she surpassed herself. So many twists and turns, pleasant endings, scary outcomes. The first and second stories were such contrasts and lulled me into a complete sense of security. The first was a lovely tale, very romantic, although with an element of mystery. The second was quite terrifying, and I noticed this tale and most of the others had very strong female characters.  These short stories, none involving Miss Marple or Monsieur Poirot, chopped and changed between adventure, fear, excitement, romance. It was a lovely collection of characters and stories. One aspect I must check is the story that has a character called James Bond...which came first, Ian Fleming’s or Agatha Christie’s – these tales were originally published in 1934 - another mystery to be unveiled.

Thank goodness I had my Kindle, because with my two holiday books finished, and the sun shining outside, I needed more reading. I really enjoyed Lucy Diamond's The Beach Cafe, so I decided to read Sweet Temptation next. I have to admit, at first I didn't like it. It starts off about overweight people, and I am sorry to say that I wasn't sympathetic. I just wanted them to have some will-power. However, as I got to know the characters, I really felt for them and was rooting them. The book is called Sweet Temptation, but I think "Fat-busting and Friendship" would have been a better title. It is a great self-help book, really empowering. I am not overweight, although there is room for improvement, and I found this book really inspiring, providing ideas for losing weight. It also covered the issue of domestic violence and in places it was quite disturbing. It was a very pleasant surprise, and I would really recommend it, both as a romantic read and a motivator for losing weight.

Scary mysteries

Because Waterstones have stopped their 3 for 2, we decided to give Daunt Books a try. I love going to Daunt, but they don't have any bargains. However, we went to the branch in Marylebone High Street and had a lovely time browsing, and I eventually chose two Agatha Christies. The lady who served me was just so lovely, and I am looking forward to shopping there again. Anyway, I have finished Sleeping Murder, and it had me gripped and terrified to the end. I have to admit, I did guess the murderer early on, but as it was getting to the end of the story, just before the murderer was officially unveiled, I had completely decided that it was someone completely different, in fact one of three other professionals. So, once again, Agatha Christie has completely surpassed herself. It is a great read, so many twists and turns, and quite nail-biting. I am really looking forward to my other one now!

Dreams come true

I started my holiday reading a little bit early. I just fancied something light and found the perfect book. The Beach Cafe, by Lucy Diamond, ticked all the boxes. I am at that time of life when I feel like trying something new, but just can't think what. I have a great life and I am very happy, but one of my dreams is to live by the sea. I have to say, I am very fickle and lots of things make me happy. I would also love to live somewhere rural, I also love living in London, I would also love to live abroad, so I am probably either a difficult person to please or I just love everything. I think I am the latter, but enough about me. I loved the Beach Cafe. It is about the youngest of three sisters, who is referred to as the black sheep because she doesn't live life conventionally, e.g. find a man, get married, have babies, or have a career. She has chopped and changed careers, and although in a stable relationship, is not quite convinced that they are making each other happy. Anyway, in her early thirties, her favourite aunt dies suddenly leaving Evie (I love that name) her beach cafe in Cornwall. What could be more idyllic. The story describes the trials and tribulations that follow, but naturally, as with all good chicklit, there is a happy ending, allbeit with several disasters throughout. It is a really nice read, lovely characters, great location, and very enjoyable. I do however, now want to live right on the seafront in Cornwall.

Grief and romance

Again, I am going to talk about two books. The first one is the second of my Christmas books and I really enjoyed it. Twelve Days of Christmas by Trisha Ashley is about a young woman whose husband died around Christmas time in a tragic accident, a few years previously. She is a chef by profession, running house parties in the Summer months, and house-sitting in remote places during the Winter months. This Christmas is no exception and she prepares to house-sit as an emergency replacement. Lots of complications follow and at times it does sound quite stressy, although she sounds like a super-woman in the kitchen. The develops special friendships with people in the area, and the story does have a good happy ending, without being too soppy and sentimental. I like the characters in the book, and the dilemmas that she faces. There is also the added bonus of her grandmother's journals which include a mystery to be solved. This is a good book to read over Christmas by the fireside.

The second book, is another Debbie Macomber. Hannah's List tells the story of a man, widowed a year ago, who is presented with a letter from his late wife, which she had written before she died. The letter asks him to remarry and have the children that they hadn't had. She even suggests three potential candidates. It is very predictable, and it is an okay read, but two things I liked, were the way the author dealt with the issues of cancer, death and grief, and also relationships. It felt realistic and was quite moving in places. There was also a lesson in dealing with arguments in relationships, focusing on compromise and change behaviour. It was really clearly explained, and I can see it being effective in improving relationships, not just personal, but in everyday working relationships too. Anyway, it was fine to read, not my favourite of her books but useful in its own way.

The Help

As you know, when I do 3 for 2 at Waterstones, I usually pick at least one new author. This time was no exception. I bought two books by favourite authors and then I picked up The Help, a first novel by Kathryn Stockett. The Sunday Times describes it as 'The other side of Gone with the Wind - and just as unputdownable.' I haven't read Gone with the Wind, but The Help was definitely unputdownable. It was superb. I was unsure whether I would enjoy it because the subject matter is about the working and private lives of Black maids in Jackson, Mississippi in 1962, and in particular about their relationships with their white bosses. I was wary because the book is written by a white woman, so I wondered how realistic it would be. But her acknowledgements, at the end of the book, gave more details of her background and how she attained her knowledge and that made the story more believable. It was good to read it after reading the whole book. The book itself, is a narrative, told by three people - two black maids and one of the white children, now grown-up. In places it is hard to read, but not gratuitously so, and it is also warm and surprising, and so tender. It is a beautiful book and one that I cannot recommend enough.

Something new...

Having read some older books, rather than from modern authors, I thought I would continue on this theme. So, I bought Cranford: and Other Stories by Elizabeth Gaskell. I don't have a television, so I hadn't seen the series on the BBC. I loved the book; the characters were so believable and enjoyable, and it was quite unusual to have the females as the dominant characters. I read the omnibus edition, which includes the stories 'The Lady Ludlow', 'Mr Harrison's Confessions' and 'The Cage at Cranford'. The stories and the characters were so delightful, and the historical element was really interesting. A lovely Winter's read, which was followed by a book from one of my usual genres. Elinor Lipman's The Family Man follows her usual style of complicated family setups with strong characters, some of which from Jewish backgrounds. This book tells the story of Henry Archer, a gay man, who used to be married, and who meets the daughter he adopted and lost about 25 years ago. This was a complicated, but easy to read story, which had me giggling in my seat. I really like the way Elinor Lipman writes. She covers some sensitive topics, but with a perfect amount of humour. Really enjoyable!

Cook book

I was pleasantly surprised to discover that the famous food writer and cook, Prue Leith, writes fictional novels too. Choral Society is about three women in their fifties who are going through different life challenges, and meet at a choir meeting. They are completely different from each other, but become great friends. It is a very empowering story, and good to read a book demonstrating that you don't have to have a man to be successful and that life doesn't end at 30. It was a good, easy read, and really interesting. I learnt so much about food-writing, and food photography. Made me want to have a go. Plus there was the bonus that the book was set in Yorkshire, Cotswolds, London and Cornwall, all wonderful places in England.

Historical novels

I have just finished The Memory Garden, by Rachel Hore. It was enjoyable, because it flashed back to the story of an artist in Cornwall in the early 1900s. I became a little frustrated by the main character who seemed so dependent on the male characters. She could have been such a strong character on her own, but I suppose there would not have been the drama. I would have loved to have known how the house and garden would turn out. It was beautifully described and makes me envious of anyone living in Cornwall. So, it has been well-written, and it was easy to read. It is now 9.25pm and the bookshops are closed! What shall I read now?

Vintage style

I have just read A Vintage Affair by Isabel Wolff, and it was just a perfectly lovely read. My only bugbear is the misleading quotes on the back of the book. From the Express, 'A warm, witty, romantic comedy. Perfect!' Now I suspect this is the fault of the publisher, Harper Collins, who may have used a quote from another of Isabel Wolff's books. This book was not a romantic comedy. It was very touching, and quite sad in places about a woman who has suffered great pain and re-starts her life by opening a vintage dress shop. The book is about the people she meets through her shop, and the magical effect her vintage clothes have on their lives. One of the people she meets has been harbouring a tragic secret since the second world war, and the story, although sad, is beautifully and movingly told. The descriptions of the clothes will make this story of interest to anyone interested in fashion. The history brings life to the characters, and the complicated relationships, add more drama and reality to the story. I really enjoyed it, although it wasn't what I was expecting, having read the reviews on the back cover.

Complicated relationships

I picked up Brother of the More Famous Jack, because I had already read, and enjoyed, another book by Barbara Trapido. It took me too attempts to get into it, but once I got going, I couldn't stop. It was quite graphic and harsh in places, about sex and relationships, but was set around the glorious beauty of genuine love. It was a story about a young, innocent girl, and her friendship with her college tutor and his family. There is humour and sadness, decorated with colourful descriptions. It was very enjoyable, although not an easy read in places. But the compassion definitely made you feel good.

Amazing imagination!

Kazuo Ishiguro amazes me. His books are so different and so convincing. He must be so intelligent to have gathered such a wealth of experience and knowledge. I have just finished Never Let Me Go. It is a strange topic, which I won't divulge because you really wouldn't guess from the description on the back cover and I wouldn't want to ruin the plot. In honesty, the subject material did make me uncomfortable, but in a good way, because it made me question man's current behaviour. It was so believable, and the characters were endearing. I am just full of awe that someone can come up with a story like this. It is just so different to Remains of the Day, which was equally brilliant. I have read three of his books so far, set in different eras, and about people's lives. Really enjoyable.

Latest readings...

My mother-in-law left a Maeve Binchy for me to read, Quentins. It was a lovely story, set around a restaurant in Dublin and focused on several people. It was quite dramatic in places, with extra-marital affairs, fraud, but also love, friendship, everything required to make al lovely read.

I have also read another of Elinor Lipman's books, Isabel's Bed, which, although it wasn't as good as my favourite, was sufficiently entertaining. It also had my dream job, ghost-writing, by the sea...actually, anything by the sea would be good.

I caught up with The Tales of Beedle the Bard, the fairytale book in Harry Potter, written by JK Rowling. It was very interesting because each story was followed by commentary by Professor Dumbledore. Very inventive.

Twilight - saga continues

I can't believe that I only started reading the Twilight saga on the 23rd December! I am now onto the third book. New Moon was brilliant, just as thrilling, romantic, well-written, as the first one. I wasn't sure if the suspense could continue; how the story could continue, but it has, and also into the third, Eclipse. I am going to have to find time for another trip to the bookshop for the next book! I think I am turning into a chain-reader!

Christmas holidays - reading time at last!

Well, Christmas is upon us, and I have been enjoying the time in front of a cosy fire and lots of good books. I read The Way Men Act, an ironic tale about relationships, by one of my new favourite authors, Elinor Lipman. It was a fun story with lots of diverse characters, focusing on one lady who was convinced that men had a particular way of acting, while actually, she was the one making things complicated. Nice story though, although still not replacing my favourite. I have the Tales of Beedle and Bard and Magic, on the sideline, but in the meantime, I am so engrossed in Twilight, that I am about to rush out and buy the sequel. I haven't seen the film, and I cannot imagine how it will translate, but it is beautiful. So sensitive, but thrilling, so sensuous, while maintaining the innocence of two "young" lovers. It is breath-taking, and I have been struggling to put it down, only doing so because otherwise my in-laws will think me extremely rude :-)

Word of caution

I have just finished reading The Knitting Circle which is full of engaging characters, but it is just so sad. If you are feeling emotional, be warned, there are some very tragic, and also disturbing stories in this book. It is a good book, but it isn't light reading, which is what I thought it would be.

A new hobby in the pipeline!

I found, quite by accident, that Kate Jacobs had written another book. I had really enjoyed Friday Night Knitting Club, and Comfort Food follows a similar theme. This story however, is about a television chef, dealing with the complex relationships in her life, and her battle to keep her program as new, younger chefs join the competition. I really enjoyed this book. There was a point in the middle of it, where I felt it was just so stressy, but it all came together in the end, and worked out beautifully.

Elinor Lipman continued and something new!

The latest book I have read by Elinor Lipman, is The Ladies Man. I found it quite uncomfortable, the nature of this story, about a womaniser, who although I imagine was supposed to be charming, I found quite irritating. So, although this was a well-written story, it wasn't my favourite. The Inn at Lake Devine still holds that award!

So, the new book that I read is called The Marriage Bureau for Rich People by Farahad Zama. I loved this and didn't want it to end, although it did end the way I wanted to. It was beautifully written, and provided such rich images of India and the customs and culture, that I just want to go there and become immersed among the interesting people that live there. I learnt so much from this book and I am looking forward to more by this author.

I am currently reading Once Upon a Time in the North, by Philip Pullman, a spin-off from his Dark Materials trilogy, which I am absolutely loving!

Oh wow...absolutely brilliant!!!

I have just finished The Inn at Lake Devine by, yes, my current favourite author, Elinor Lipman. This is definitely my favourite out of all her books. It was so enlightening. Surprisingly, I hadn't appreciated the levels of prejudice faced by Jewish people in the 1960s and 1970s. I laughed and cried with this book. It was harsh in places, but also such a lovely story. I really enjoyed the characters and the excellent story-line, and I would love to find the The Inn at Lake Devine.

Still on the same author!

I have just finished The Dearly Departed by Elinor Lipman, and again really enjoyed this story. All of her books seem to have the same theme, with some character having a surprise double life. This one has a half-brother and half-sister meeting for the first time at the funeral of their parents. The book is full of interesting characters and has a good storyline. In honesty though, I think my favourite is still the first one that I read: Then She Found Me.

In love with books!

Another book from Elinor Lipman, has distracted me from pretty much all other activities. The Pursuit of Alice Thrift is a great story about a trainee surgeon, whose lack of social skills causes a few problems. I enjoyed this one so much, I moved straight onto another book by the same author, and I have another one waiting after that. Roll on half-term holidays. I think I am becoming a serial chain-reader!