Deborah's bookshelf: all en-US Wed, 23 Apr 2025 08:49:31 -0700 60 Deborah's bookshelf: all 144 41 /images/layout/goodreads_logo_144.jpg Dirty Geese 152464141
Meanwhile, Big Tech executive Henri Lauvaux arrives in London. His mission: to ensure the new minister, Harry Colbey, will not prove as problematic as the last. As the West inexorably slides towards an Orwellian ‘Big Brother� future, Harry Colbey and Esme Kanha join forces in a deadly cat-and-mouse game against political corruption � at great cost to themselves.]]> 319 Lou Gilmond 1914148541 Deborah 5 4.29 2023 Dirty Geese
author: Lou Gilmond
name: Deborah
average rating: 4.29
book published: 2023
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2025/04/23
shelves:
review:
I enjoy watching thrillers but rarely read them as I've found the pace/plot trajectory can come at the expense of effective characterisation. What I loved about this author's writing was the combination of a page-turning plot and intriguing characters I wanted to know more about. The AI theme is believable and ultimately terrifying. A thriller based on a contemporary issue, interesting characters and great writing - this was a rare and perfect read in this genre for me .
]]> <![CDATA[The Further Adventures of Isabella M Smugge]]> 217206428 Our heroine is also beginning to wonder if something � or maybe even someone � could be missing from her single parent life. But what would the new and slightly improved Issy Smugge be looking for in a man?
As she navigates playground politics, freestyle praying and deepening friendships, Issy’s learning about life in a whole new way. But just as everything begins to look #perfect, her dastardly ex-husband arrives with a shocking idea…]]> 270 Ruth Leigh Deborah 5 4.95 The Further Adventures of Isabella M Smugge
author: Ruth Leigh
name: Deborah
average rating: 4.95
book published:
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2025/03/22
shelves:
review:
Issy Smugge never fails to make me smile. With her trademark warmth, humour and perception, Ruth Leigh draws the reader into the fourth book about her heroine's unique world with a flourish. Issy's simplistic, often naive way of looking at life is morphing into a new faith, both in God and the new self experience has thrust upon her. It is an intriguing, sometimes painful, at times hilarious journey. The interesting thing is how relatable these books are. I am not a rich, poised 'mumfluencer' yet there is so much that I smile and nod along to in the books - the sign of an accomplished author. If you haven't met Issy Smugge, you need her in your life!
]]> The Art of Life 217227323 390 S.L. Russell Deborah 5 4.65 The Art of Life
author: S.L. Russell
name: Deborah
average rating: 4.65
book published:
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2024/11/26
shelves:
review:

]]> Of Stone and Sky 57963397
Set on a farming estate in the upper reaches of the River Spey, Of Stone and Sky follows several generations of a shepherding family in a paean to the bonds between people, their land and way of life. It is a profound mystery, a passionate poem, a political manifesto, shot through with wisdom and humour.]]> 336 Merryn Glover 1788853768 Deborah 5 4.34 2021 Of Stone and Sky
author: Merryn Glover
name: Deborah
average rating: 4.34
book published: 2021
rating: 5
read at: 2024/10/07
date added: 2024/10/07
shelves:
review:

]]> Funnily Enough 13328919 404 Sophie Neville 1466213485 Deborah 4
For me, Sophie's faith, fortitude and reflections on her illness and on the major life changes needed as a result, are inspiring and thought-provoking.

I found it a gentle, inspiring read and would heartily recommend it. ]]> 3.77 2011 Funnily Enough
author: Sophie Neville
name: Deborah
average rating: 3.77
book published: 2011
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2024/05/29
shelves:
review:
I've been meaning to read this book for a while and am so glad I did. A memoir of the author's experiences of ME, it's honest, engaging, humorous and wise. I loved the domestic details of her very unique family life and the animals they had as well as her thoughts about health and wholeness. The insights into her friendships and the hilarious things they all get up to make this, despite its subject matter, quite a 'cosy read'. Gerald Durrell meets Adrian Plass (or similar). I'm from Gloucestershire myself so that made it even more relatable.

For me, Sophie's faith, fortitude and reflections on her illness and on the major life changes needed as a result, are inspiring and thought-provoking.

I found it a gentle, inspiring read and would heartily recommend it.
]]> <![CDATA[Holding onto Hope: 40 days of God’s encouragement through art and reflection]]> 211626690 200 Amy Boucher Pye Deborah 5
Amy writes with such clarity and insight and yet in a way that always lifts and encourages, using her understanding of biblical truths to enable the reader to feel spiritually stronger and more hopeful.

A wonderful, insightful book which I will return to again and again.]]> 5.00 Holding onto Hope: 40 days of God’s encouragement through art and reflection
author: Amy Boucher Pye
name: Deborah
average rating: 5.00
book published:
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2024/05/06
shelves:
review:
This is a beautifully written, inspiring and gently challenging series of devotionals that I loved so much, I read it twice. I bought the book well before Lent in preparation for the season but ended up starting it early, drawn in by the beautiful art work and imagery mentioned in the blurb. It was such a powerful, life-giving read that when I finished, in the middle of Lent, I went back to the beginning and started again.

Amy writes with such clarity and insight and yet in a way that always lifts and encourages, using her understanding of biblical truths to enable the reader to feel spiritually stronger and more hopeful.

A wonderful, insightful book which I will return to again and again.
]]> Mother Sea 137971185 352 Lorraine Wilson Deborah 5
I found the story fascinating. As a person of faith myself, who does not see a contradiction between faith and science, I enjoyed piecing together the experiences of Lorraine Wilson's superbly drawn characters to understand how these kinds of issues affected them.

Wilson writes like a dream. '...a frigatebird hung in the air like a miracle made angular and black' was one thing I highlighted. '...her low voice slipping in-between story rhythms and brevity like a moth,' was another. There were many more.

If you enjoy books which combine beautiful writing with an urgent message, strong characters and a poignant plot, you will love Mother Sea.
]]> 4.31 2023 Mother Sea
author: Lorraine Wilson
name: Deborah
average rating: 4.31
book published: 2023
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2024/03/24
shelves:
review:
A beautifully written, moving story about the threat to a way of life and the effects of climate change on a small population whose future is being determined by others.

I found the story fascinating. As a person of faith myself, who does not see a contradiction between faith and science, I enjoyed piecing together the experiences of Lorraine Wilson's superbly drawn characters to understand how these kinds of issues affected them.

Wilson writes like a dream. '...a frigatebird hung in the air like a miracle made angular and black' was one thing I highlighted. '...her low voice slipping in-between story rhythms and brevity like a moth,' was another. There were many more.

If you enjoy books which combine beautiful writing with an urgent message, strong characters and a poignant plot, you will love Mother Sea.

]]> Travelling in the Dark 38720309
As delays and diversions force her to return to well-known places from her youth, Sarah reflects on the relationships with her family and the events of the past that have shaped her present.

Set in the wild, beautiful and unreliable landscape of southern New Zealand, the novella is an evocative story of a woman coming to terms with her past.]]> 135 Emma Timpany 1912054485 Deborah 5
References to Sarah's son as 'the child' were intriguing and for me, this added a certain emotional depth to the story, emphasising that this is Sarah's journey, one which she absolutely needs to make at all costs. She is devoted to him but the fact that he is there is simply because she has no choice in the matter. The journey must be made however inconvenient.

The plot unravels at just the right speed, fragments of the past revealed to maintain interest and pique curiosity. I found the book hard to put down and read it in a couple of sittings.

If you enjoy well told stories about love, loss and the enduring power of memory, you will love this short but beautifully crafted read.]]> 3.64 Travelling in the Dark
author: Emma Timpany
name: Deborah
average rating: 3.64
book published:
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2024/03/08
shelves:
review:
I loved this clever, evocative read and was quickly invested in its believable characters and immersive plot. The author writes beautifully in vivid prose, conjuring vivid images of New Zealand with its wild beauty and contrasting landscapes. I enjoyed the back-and-forward glimpses into the protagonist's childhood and relationships, pulled into her world without a backward glance.

References to Sarah's son as 'the child' were intriguing and for me, this added a certain emotional depth to the story, emphasising that this is Sarah's journey, one which she absolutely needs to make at all costs. She is devoted to him but the fact that he is there is simply because she has no choice in the matter. The journey must be made however inconvenient.

The plot unravels at just the right speed, fragments of the past revealed to maintain interest and pique curiosity. I found the book hard to put down and read it in a couple of sittings.

If you enjoy well told stories about love, loss and the enduring power of memory, you will love this short but beautifully crafted read.
]]> <![CDATA[Unashamed: Discover the Healing Power of God's Love for your Wounded Soul]]> 193041723 338 Tracy Williamson 1788932684 Deborah 4 4.88 Unashamed: Discover the Healing Power of God's Love for your Wounded Soul
author: Tracy Williamson
name: Deborah
average rating: 4.88
book published:
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2024/03/03
shelves:
review:

]]> Christmas Voices 200028515 160 Claire Musters 1800392303 Deborah 5
The book is clearly set out and the readings are just the right length for the busy Christmas season, long enough to provide meat but short enough to remember, and tuck under your belt for the day ahead. Carefully placed colour illustrations bring the season to life and the gorgeous cover with its rich, warm tones will grace any coffee table.

The perfected addition to any Advent collection, this wise and lovely book comes very highly recommended.
]]> 4.40 Christmas Voices
author: Claire Musters
name: Deborah
average rating: 4.40
book published:
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2024/03/02
shelves:
review:
A beautifully written and inspiring devotional for Advent, featuring reflections, prayers, carols and poems set around the themes of promise, preparation, joy, peace and love. I appreciated the different voices from a group of diverse contributors representing Christ in all walks of life but I also enjoyed the consistency of Claire's own voice through refreshing and gently challenging thoughts each day.

The book is clearly set out and the readings are just the right length for the busy Christmas season, long enough to provide meat but short enough to remember, and tuck under your belt for the day ahead. Carefully placed colour illustrations bring the season to life and the gorgeous cover with its rich, warm tones will grace any coffee table.

The perfected addition to any Advent collection, this wise and lovely book comes very highly recommended.

]]> <![CDATA[Refresh: a wellness devotional for the whole Christian life]]> 60313582 304 Jo Acharya 1915046025 Deborah 5
I wholeheartedly recommend this wise and inspiring devotional which you will come back to again and again.
]]> 5.00 Refresh: a wellness devotional for the whole Christian life
author: Jo Acharya
name: Deborah
average rating: 5.00
book published:
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2024/02/08
shelves:
review:
This is a simply but beautifully written, inspiring devotional with gorgeous photos, insightful reflections and thoughtful questions to enable the reader to think through different areas of wellness. I started using it at a time when I was under a great deal of pressure in more than one area of life and needed something concise but clear, challenging but gentle. This was perfect. It brought me back to the heart of things, the guiding principles of my faith, the value of biblical truth in relation to physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. I read it a few months ago, and dipping back into it so I can write this review, I realise I need to reread it.

I wholeheartedly recommend this wise and inspiring devotional which you will come back to again and again.

]]> Redemption of Isobel Farrar 122758136
Life has not been kind to Frank Brodie. Cruelly mistreated by his adoptive parents, he spent his young adulthood struggling to survive on the harsh streets of London, before the Great War took him away to the trenches. Now he has found safety with Arthur, an older man who loves and protects him. But something is still missing from Frank’s life.

When mother and son are finally reunited, will they be able to lay the past to rest?]]> 288 Alan Robert Clark 1914148444 Deborah 5
I loved the way the relationship between mother and son was described. Its development throughout the story was one of my favourite things about the book. Down to earth and realistic, without sparing the pain and grief experienced by the main characters, this is also a tender and warm-hearted read, full of hope as well as sadness. I disagree with another reviewer � the twist at the end was a complete surprise to me.

I didn’t want The Redemption of Isobel Farrar to end and am off to investigate the author’s other books�
]]> 4.39 Redemption of Isobel Farrar
author: Alan Robert Clark
name: Deborah
average rating: 4.39
book published:
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2023/11/28
shelves:
review:
This is a beautiful book which I couldn’t put down. The story was intriguing and original, the setting and historical details fascinating. The author writes in a fluid, confident style and we get a sense from the start that we, as readers, are in capable hands.

I loved the way the relationship between mother and son was described. Its development throughout the story was one of my favourite things about the book. Down to earth and realistic, without sparing the pain and grief experienced by the main characters, this is also a tender and warm-hearted read, full of hope as well as sadness. I disagree with another reviewer � the twist at the end was a complete surprise to me.

I didn’t want The Redemption of Isobel Farrar to end and am off to investigate the author’s other books�

]]> <![CDATA[The Little Book of Unexpected Poetry]]> 201126429
From failed holiday romances to musings on gluten-free salad to a love affair with a background of paint chart colours, this selection of odes is a mix of the expected and the left field in a celebration of life.

With background notes on each poem and a wide range of topics, this poetry collection is evidence of a challenging and eventful life.

Ruth is a novelist and freelance writer, the author of the Isabella M Smugge series and A Great Deal of Ingenuity, a collection of short stories around minor characters in Pride and Prejudice. She lives in rural Suffolk with three children, one husband and a cat. You can find her on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and Twitter at ruthleighwrites and at her website, .

What people are saying

What a box of delights A Little Book of Unexpected Poetry is! Ruth Leigh’s charm and wit are evident in spades, but so also is her compassion, her empathy and her understanding of the human condition. With a mixture of poem styles, genres and subjects, there’s something for everyone here, and you will find yourself laughing and weeping in equal measure as you allow these words to both warm your soul and challenge you. A book to dip into, to savour and to love.

Liz Carter, author of "Valuable" and "Treasure in Dark Places"]]> 81 Ruth Leigh 1915981247 Deborah 4
If you want a warm, relatable and entertaining read, then look no further than The Little Book of Unexpected Poetry.
]]> 4.40 The Little Book of Unexpected Poetry
author: Ruth Leigh
name: Deborah
average rating: 4.40
book published:
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2023/11/28
shelves:
review:
I am not a poet and don’t generally read poetry, but I love the author’s other books and thought I’d give this one a go. It is a unique and generous read � warm hearted, surprising and full of wit and wisdom. I challenge anyone to read this diverse collection of poems and not be affected in some way. Ruth Leigh’s comic eye (There’s no Nice Way to Say this) and ability to move (Apple Jelly) do not disappoint along with a whole range of emotions in between. The style is varied and contemporary and the poems as different in form and structure as the feelings contained within them. I liked them all and loved some to bits.

If you want a warm, relatable and entertaining read, then look no further than The Little Book of Unexpected Poetry.

]]> Local Killer 143068923 312 Paul Trembling 1915981115 Deborah 5
I downloaded the Kindle version of Local Killer, soon warming to CSI Alison Kepple although she’s not an easy person to get close to. Coming across as spiky and unavailable, the author allows the reader glimpses of the anxiety and insecurity behind the facade, enabling us to understand and root for her. Her character development, for me, was one of the most satisfying things about the story.

In common with his other books, the author manages to create a page-turning plot without compromising the quality of the storytelling. Small details add atmosphere, and bring the setting to life, pulling us into Alison’s world. The plot twists were clever, and the unexpected revelations made at just the right time to keep me reading instead of getting the dinner.

An absorbing, well-crafted novel which I heartily recommend.
]]> 5.00 Local Killer
author: Paul Trembling
name: Deborah
average rating: 5.00
book published:
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2023/11/17
shelves:
review:
I have thoroughly enjoyed the other books in the ‘Local series� and this one, Local Killer, was no exception. Crime Scene Investigator turned author; Paul Trembling writes with an authenticity which must surely come from many years� experience in the field. Forensic processes, police procedures, work relationships � these are fascinating and believable, adding depth and connection to the plot and characters.

I downloaded the Kindle version of Local Killer, soon warming to CSI Alison Kepple although she’s not an easy person to get close to. Coming across as spiky and unavailable, the author allows the reader glimpses of the anxiety and insecurity behind the facade, enabling us to understand and root for her. Her character development, for me, was one of the most satisfying things about the story.

In common with his other books, the author manages to create a page-turning plot without compromising the quality of the storytelling. Small details add atmosphere, and bring the setting to life, pulling us into Alison’s world. The plot twists were clever, and the unexpected revelations made at just the right time to keep me reading instead of getting the dinner.

An absorbing, well-crafted novel which I heartily recommend.

]]> <![CDATA[Valuable: Why Your Worth Is Not Defined by How Useful You Feel]]> 90303959 Come and see that our purpose as Christians is not about being useful but about being known by God and enjoying him.

We all want to be useful to God, but often we feel that we’re not, or, because of illness or other difficulties, that we can’t be as active as we’d like to be. Liz Carter wants to rescue us from the spiral of feeling useless that we get caught in, and to show us that being useful isn’t what Christianity is about. In fact, the Bible barely talks about God using people at all.

Weaving together insightful Scriptural analysis and beautifully told stories, Liz takes us on a journey to see what the Bible really says about weakness, identity, and God’s purposes for helping us to see ourselves and our relationship with God in an entirely different and much more glorious way. Readers will discover that our purpose as Christians is not about being useful but about being known by God and enjoying him.

This book is particularly helpful for those struggling with long-term physical or mental illness, but it’s also a great encouragement to Christians who feel that they are not good enough or useful enough to God for other reasons.

Questions at the end of each chapter make this a helpful resource to read with a friend or in groups.

]]> 144 Liz Carter 1784988669 Deborah 5
This lovely book reminded me of that phrase from the Westminster Shorter Catechism, ‘Man’s chief end is to glorify God and enjoy him forever.� Enjoyment of others� company does not depend on how useful they are to us. Or at least, it shouldn’t. Liz reminds us that the basic tenets of the best relationships rely on mutual affection, shared experiences, conversation, and that this is no different in our relationship with God. She shows how we have allowed our sense of use-worthiness to creep into our spiritual lives, interpreting experience through the lens of 'doing' rather than 'being'.

If you are frustrated and worn out, mining experience for its potential use, or wondering if there’s another way, this is the book for you. Gentle, challenging and infinitely wise, it will invite you to re-examine what you thought you knew and free you to reframe it. A recommended read.
]]> 4.32 2023 Valuable: Why Your Worth Is Not Defined by How Useful You Feel
author: Liz Carter
name: Deborah
average rating: 4.32
book published: 2023
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2023/08/22
shelves:
review:
This is a liberating read, showing how the glib and thoughtless use of language can subtly convince us, able and disabled, that our value to God and others lies in our usefulness. With wisdom and clarity, Liz Carter unpacks the lie behind this assumption, showing us how to recalibrate our thoughts and find a healthier way of living.

This lovely book reminded me of that phrase from the Westminster Shorter Catechism, ‘Man’s chief end is to glorify God and enjoy him forever.� Enjoyment of others� company does not depend on how useful they are to us. Or at least, it shouldn’t. Liz reminds us that the basic tenets of the best relationships rely on mutual affection, shared experiences, conversation, and that this is no different in our relationship with God. She shows how we have allowed our sense of use-worthiness to creep into our spiritual lives, interpreting experience through the lens of 'doing' rather than 'being'.

If you are frustrated and worn out, mining experience for its potential use, or wondering if there’s another way, this is the book for you. Gentle, challenging and infinitely wise, it will invite you to re-examine what you thought you knew and free you to reframe it. A recommended read.

]]> The Truth Has Arms and Legs 173072810
Where relationships are as delicate as turtle eggs, and just as easily smashed.


This poignant short story collection explores the pivotal moments that transform our lives. Jenny, whose life is defined by small disasters, discovers a bigger, more generous version of herself. A traveller girl might just win her race and alter her life’s course. A widow, cut off in a riverside backwater, opens her heart to a stranger.


In this captivating collection by award-winning writer, Alice Fowler, readers will be moved by the raw vulnerability of human connection, and the resilience that allows us to grow and thrive in the face of hardship. In change, Fowler’s characters find the ability to be truly free.


"These are precious things: stories written with delicacy and heart. Chance meetings and significant moments are rendered precisely and to such moving effect, in this deeply skilful and wise collection.� - Wendy Erskine]]> 104 Alice Fowler 1915789087 Deborah 5
The most challenging thing to accomplish in a short story is to make the reader care about the characters. In The Truth has Arms and Legs, the author does this with ease, reeling us skillfully into the lives of her protagonists so we fight alongside them in their battles. Here are clever details and vivid descriptions. I loved ‘…in that way that made my heart spin like a coin� and ‘The truth, let out by mistake, spread through the fragrant air between them: a discharge, discolouring a river.�

In fiction, short or long, I need this: a plot that keeps me guessing and beautiful writing. This collection was just right for me. I would highly recommend these vibrant and satisfying stories.
]]> 4.62 The Truth Has Arms and Legs
author: Alice Fowler
name: Deborah
average rating: 4.62
book published:
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2023/07/29
shelves:
review:
I loved these short stories by Alice Fowler. From everyday dramas to life-changing moments, moving back and forward in time, they give glimpses into the richness and diversity of human experience. Each is independent and the stories are so well told that they made me smile, well up, and on one occasion, arrive late for an important meeting. I just had to find out what happened at the end.

The most challenging thing to accomplish in a short story is to make the reader care about the characters. In The Truth has Arms and Legs, the author does this with ease, reeling us skillfully into the lives of her protagonists so we fight alongside them in their battles. Here are clever details and vivid descriptions. I loved ‘…in that way that made my heart spin like a coin� and ‘The truth, let out by mistake, spread through the fragrant air between them: a discharge, discolouring a river.�

In fiction, short or long, I need this: a plot that keeps me guessing and beautiful writing. This collection was just right for me. I would highly recommend these vibrant and satisfying stories.

]]> Wheel of Fortune 53173341 704 C F Dunn 1782642935 Deborah 5
Dunn’s research is clearly impeccable and her attention to detail comes across in every part of this vibrant story. Isobel Fenton quickly becomes a friend of the heart as she battles bereavement, loss, loneliness, manipulation, longing, and betrayal. At the mercy of men and the power struggles at the heart of The War of the Roses, a young woman stands little chance of being able to control almost any area of life. Isobel learns this harsh lesson in a combination of tragic circumstances, losing her father and protector at the beginning of the book and obliged to leave the only safe haven she has known.

Wheel of Fortune helped me piece together fragments of history I had gained here and there � from school, National Trust houses, various museum and castle visits � and hang them on ‘real� flesh and blood people. I could make better sense of this period in history viewing it through the hopes and fears of Dunn’s authentic and totally believable characters, whose very lives depend on decisions made far outside their sphere of influence.

I would heartily recommend this absorbing read to anyone who loves historical fiction. Or not. I will certainly be reading more of it in future.
]]> 4.00 Wheel of Fortune
author: C F Dunn
name: Deborah
average rating: 4.00
book published:
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2023/07/25
shelves:
review:
I haven’t read historical fiction for many years, having overdosed on it in the past, but this beautifully crafted novel reminded me why that happened. I love being drawn into a period so different from our own; the ease with which characters� burdens become ours and the growing sense of involvement in a simpler but also more complex world. That is, if the book is well written, and Wheel of Fortune is one such book.

Dunn’s research is clearly impeccable and her attention to detail comes across in every part of this vibrant story. Isobel Fenton quickly becomes a friend of the heart as she battles bereavement, loss, loneliness, manipulation, longing, and betrayal. At the mercy of men and the power struggles at the heart of The War of the Roses, a young woman stands little chance of being able to control almost any area of life. Isobel learns this harsh lesson in a combination of tragic circumstances, losing her father and protector at the beginning of the book and obliged to leave the only safe haven she has known.

Wheel of Fortune helped me piece together fragments of history I had gained here and there � from school, National Trust houses, various museum and castle visits � and hang them on ‘real� flesh and blood people. I could make better sense of this period in history viewing it through the hopes and fears of Dunn’s authentic and totally believable characters, whose very lives depend on decisions made far outside their sphere of influence.

I would heartily recommend this absorbing read to anyone who loves historical fiction. Or not. I will certainly be reading more of it in future.

]]> <![CDATA[Only About Love (Fairlight Moderns)]]> 58374755 144 Debbi Voisey 1914148002 Deborah 5
Unsettling and thought-provoking, Only About Love is a beautifully crafted short read.]]> 4.38 Only About Love (Fairlight Moderns)
author: Debbi Voisey
name: Deborah
average rating: 4.38
book published:
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2023/04/05
shelves:
review:
This was a moving read which tugged at my heart strings and kept me reading, sometimes when I didn't want to. The snapshots of a life, spread over the course of many years, are described in simple, vivid prose which draws you into the heart of a family's love and longing. Written from different points of view, the author manages to give us enough insight to view each character with respect and tenderness despite their failings. These are understandable, relatable.

Unsettling and thought-provoking, Only About Love is a beautifully crafted short read.
]]> Sea Defences 62030779 ձ> 338 Hilary Taylor 178563335X Deborah 5
With its lyrical writing, evocative setting and intriguing plot, I highly recommend this book.
]]> 4.11 Sea Defences
author: Hilary Taylor
name: Deborah
average rating: 4.11
book published:
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2023/04/05
shelves:
review:
I loved this unusual and beautiful story. Sea Defences is about faith and loss and the unlikely people and places that tether us to life and hope. As a person of faith, I could relate to the conflicted emotions Rachel experiences when her life unexpectedly falls apart. I loved the rawness and honesty with which both Rachel and Mary’s family relationships are described and found their coping mechanisms utterly believable. An occasionally uneasy but ultimately hopeful read, I found I couldn’t put it down.

With its lyrical writing, evocative setting and intriguing plot, I highly recommend this book.

]]> Milton In Purgatory 44142473
Is this his chance to lead a better life? Was it just a dream? Or is he
simply dead?

In this richly inventive and humorous novella, Edward Vass brings the themes of Dante’s Divine Comedy 700 years into the future.]]> 192 Edward Vass 1912054361 Deborah 4 4.05 2019 Milton In Purgatory
author: Edward Vass
name: Deborah
average rating: 4.05
book published: 2019
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2023/04/02
shelves:
review:
This is not my usual kind of book, but I was drawn in by the subject matter. Milton’s uneventful life ends when, after an accident, he journeys through purgatory and the afterlife. Edward Vass is a clever writer, creating an unusual story which effectively begins when the protagonist dies. The story is filled with twists and turns and narrated in a fresh, witty style showing the author’s dry sense of humour. An unexpected and intriguing read.
]]> Winter People 60616288
Next door, Lydia has withdrawn from her husband, her friends, her life. She watches the sea as her own private penance for a wrong she can never put right.

Peter’s best friend is dying, and his long-time foster mother is slowly forgetting who he is. Adrift without his two anchors, and struggling with the ethics of displacing people for a living, he looks for something to remind him of who he is and who he wants to be.

Winter People is a story of forgiveness, resilience, and the power of the sea to unlock what we are most afraid to say.]]> 260 Gráinne Murphy 1915054354 Deborah 5 3.98 Winter People
author: Gráinne Murphy
name: Deborah
average rating: 3.98
book published:
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2023/03/04
shelves:
review:
I loved this atmospheric story with three different narrators whose back stories unfolded as the book went on. Settings are important to me so the power of the sea and the evocative descriptions of the beach and weather were very satisfying. The themes of grief, loneliness and the need for connection resonated with me deeply and I thought these were handled with perception and realism. Grainne Murphy writes exquisitely and I had to reread and savour so many phrases. An unsettling but beautiful read.
]]> The Runaway 32592922
Back in the village, Rhiannon's disappearance triggers a series of events that uncover the cracks in Llandymna's quiet surface. Relationships become frayed as a young police officer is forced to investigate his neighbors, and the village's elderly storyteller hints at a secret that the older generation has kept for decades. But as painful as the village's past may be, it may hold the key for hope in the present...

Claire Wong's strong debut explores how human relationships develop, how we change as we interact with one another, and the role of folktales and mythology in small communities.]]> 302 Claire Wong 1782642420 Deborah 4
Teenager, Rhiannon's, search for peace away from home, causes uproar in the community she leaves behind as they try to find her. Then the arrival of two strangers adds an interesting dimension to the dynamics of village life. Claire Wong's characterisation is excellent.

If you like an atmospheric read with lovely descriptions of nature and complex relationships, you will enjoy this book.
]]> 3.71 The Runaway
author: Claire Wong
name: Deborah
average rating: 3.71
book published:
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2023/02/18
shelves:
review:
This was a lovely book with a gentle storyline exploring themes of loss, story-telling and the healing power of friendship and forgiveness. There is a dream-like quality to the beautiful writing and at times, the story comes across a bit like a fairy tale.

Teenager, Rhiannon's, search for peace away from home, causes uproar in the community she leaves behind as they try to find her. Then the arrival of two strangers adds an interesting dimension to the dynamics of village life. Claire Wong's characterisation is excellent.

If you like an atmospheric read with lovely descriptions of nature and complex relationships, you will enjoy this book.

]]> <![CDATA[A Good Year (Fairlight Moderns)]]> 58374757 192 Polis Loizou 1914148053 Deborah 5
I enjoyed the snapshot into traditional Christmas rituals in 1920s� Cyprus and the folk tale style used by the author. Polis Loizou writes beautifully, and I had to stop several times to reread sentences, to savour them.

Filled with moral dilemmas and difficult choices, A Good Year is an unsettling, compulsive read that had me longing to flip ahead to the last page. I so desperately wanted things to work out for its troubled characters but could not see how this could be. This, I think, is the sign of a very well told story.
]]> 3.90 A Good Year (Fairlight Moderns)
author: Polis Loizou
name: Deborah
average rating: 3.90
book published:
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2023/02/17
shelves:
review:
This was such a fascinating read that I couldn’t put it down. I loved the glimpses into Cypriot culture and folklore, and the way the setting simmers away behind the storyline. Evocative and atmospheric, the events take place during the twelve days of Christmas. Traditionally a time of celebration, the season is filled with a creeping menace as the appearance of the kalikantzari threatens the peace of Loukas and Despo, awaiting their first child.

I enjoyed the snapshot into traditional Christmas rituals in 1920s� Cyprus and the folk tale style used by the author. Polis Loizou writes beautifully, and I had to stop several times to reread sentences, to savour them.

Filled with moral dilemmas and difficult choices, A Good Year is an unsettling, compulsive read that had me longing to flip ahead to the last page. I so desperately wanted things to work out for its troubled characters but could not see how this could be. This, I think, is the sign of a very well told story.

]]> <![CDATA[Finding Stability in Times of Change]]> 63004366
Using the miracle of the calming of the storm as its focus, Finding Stability in Times of Change considers how the storm symbolises periods of change, transition and difficulty and how the calming influence of Christ helps us to find stability. The book includes practical and achievable suggestions for readers to consider in their own life.]]> 151 Richard Frost 063973023X Deborah 5
Richard writes with clarity and depth. His background in mental health and lay ministry clearly qualifies him to offer much in this area, which he does in a gentle, un-patronising way. He inspires and challenges with a light touch, enabling us to apply his observations for ourselves without the sense of failure that can sometimes result from less sensitive writing. His suggestions for dealing with both positive and negative change are wonderfully reassuring, practical and wise.

A highly recommended read whenever the future is uncertain, which is every day really. But as the author himself says, ‘Jesus places us safely in the boat. He climbs in with us. He calms the storm and takes us on our journey. A journey, yes, into uncharted waters…but also a journey of certainty because we will never be allowed to drown.�
]]> 5.00 Finding Stability in Times of Change
author: Richard Frost
name: Deborah
average rating: 5.00
book published:
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2023/01/30
shelves:
review:
I read this wise and lovely book at the turn of the year and found it such a great way to approach a new season. The author explores the way in which change can take us unawares, swiping us off our feet in the blink of an eye. It then goes on to describe a comprehensive set of tools with which to approach and deal with it. This is well done with a reflective, biblical approach, based on the Calming of the Storm, and a range of other resources and spiritual practices. There are also personal examples from the lives of others which helpfully illustrate the points made.

Richard writes with clarity and depth. His background in mental health and lay ministry clearly qualifies him to offer much in this area, which he does in a gentle, un-patronising way. He inspires and challenges with a light touch, enabling us to apply his observations for ourselves without the sense of failure that can sometimes result from less sensitive writing. His suggestions for dealing with both positive and negative change are wonderfully reassuring, practical and wise.

A highly recommended read whenever the future is uncertain, which is every day really. But as the author himself says, ‘Jesus places us safely in the boat. He climbs in with us. He calms the storm and takes us on our journey. A journey, yes, into uncharted waters…but also a journey of certainty because we will never be allowed to drown.�

]]> <![CDATA[Shape Your Scribbles: A Practical Guide to Editing Any Story]]> 62418200
In today's publishing world, self-editing is a vital skill for all writers. From plot to accuracy, this book will guide you through the steps you need to create a personalised approach to editing. While other books provide lengthy theoretical explorations of stories, this book shows you how to get started straight away with annotating and perfecting your drafts.

For writers of fiction, non fiction, short stories and books, you'll find everything you need to turn your messy drafts into polished stories.]]> 134 Sarah Tinsley 1739675215 Deborah 5
As someone who has spent her writing life editing what I wrote the day before, then continuing to write, I thought I’d never manage it. But I did and found it liberating, and helpful creatively, to separate these two processes which do indeed require very different parts of the brain.

Sarah’s ‘Start big, get small� approach contains a wealth of practical advice along with inspiring quotes from well-known writers. She summarises these in short, readable chunks which allow you to get to grips with them quickly and use them immediately. The chapters are separated helpfully into the different editing stages � structure, character, style, accuracy for example � so you do not need to read the whole book before beginning your edits.

The recommended reading section and appendices, with advice re common errors, along with details of the different approaches to publication, were also great to include in a book like this. Highly recommended as a resource to take into the editing process, this affordable and down-to-earth book would be a great addition to any writer’s library. ]]> 5.00 Shape Your Scribbles: A Practical Guide to Editing Any Story
author: Sarah Tinsley
name: Deborah
average rating: 5.00
book published:
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2023/01/06
shelves:
review:
This book is a fabulous collection of tips and tricks that will help any writer approach the editing process with confidence. Written in an accessible style by an experienced author, Shape Your Scribbles is a relatively quick read covering all the essential areas for consideration when editing your work. You may have heard, and even used, some of them before � put some distance between yourself and your WIP before editing, for example. Others may be new to you � do writing and editing on different days. I can honestly say this had never occurred to me.

As someone who has spent her writing life editing what I wrote the day before, then continuing to write, I thought I’d never manage it. But I did and found it liberating, and helpful creatively, to separate these two processes which do indeed require very different parts of the brain.

Sarah’s ‘Start big, get small� approach contains a wealth of practical advice along with inspiring quotes from well-known writers. She summarises these in short, readable chunks which allow you to get to grips with them quickly and use them immediately. The chapters are separated helpfully into the different editing stages � structure, character, style, accuracy for example � so you do not need to read the whole book before beginning your edits.

The recommended reading section and appendices, with advice re common errors, along with details of the different approaches to publication, were also great to include in a book like this. Highly recommended as a resource to take into the editing process, this affordable and down-to-earth book would be a great addition to any writer’s library.
]]> <![CDATA[The Continued Times of Isabella M Smugge]]> 63061282 261 Ruth Leigh Deborah 5
This is an extraordinary series, a snapshot into another life where the picture is initially blurred but becomes clearer as each book goes on. Funny, perceptive and in their own way wise, the books are such fun to read and a real pick-me-up. I’d recommend them to anyone.
]]> 4.68 The Continued Times of Isabella M Smugge
author: Ruth Leigh
name: Deborah
average rating: 4.68
book published:
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2022/10/30
shelves:
review:
The Continued Times of Isabella Smugge, third in the series, cements Issy’s metamorphosis from lifestyle blogger with much to teach others, into thoughtful, caring person with much to learn from others. Ruth Leigh manages, in her inimitable way, to keep the humour fresh and original while peeling back the layers of Issy’s carefully constructed persona to reveal a deeply sensitive and insecure person. Her protagonist’s desire to connect with others, even those very different to her, and her growing curiosity about faith, allow us to witness her character development with pleasure, dismissing her foibles with an indulgent smile. Favourite line: ‘You can’t pull off these kinds of shenanigans in a new-build.�

This is an extraordinary series, a snapshot into another life where the picture is initially blurred but becomes clearer as each book goes on. Funny, perceptive and in their own way wise, the books are such fun to read and a real pick-me-up. I’d recommend them to anyone.

]]> The Moon and Stars 60182704
When Matthew’s old singing partner Angela � who just so happens to be the woman of his dreams � gets back in touch and offers him the chance to perform in a nationwide tour, his low self-esteem and anxiety stand in the way. But Matthew has a he will sing in the shadows while his handsome and charismatic friend Ralph takes to the stage with Angela. What could go wrong?

Loosely inspired by The Phantom of the Opera , this warm and witty debut novel is the perfect read for fans of David Nicholls.]]> 384 Jenna Warren 1914148215 Deborah 5
Jenna Warren writes with an easy informality which endears the narrator/protagonist to the reader, allowing you to witness his hopes and fears first-hand. This keeps you reading, keen to find out his fate and how the interplay between the other characters affect it.

This is a book about how small triumphs can lead to large ones. It reminds us of the power of kindness and how friendship and community carry immense potential to transform us. A moving and enjoyable read. Highly recommended.
]]> 3.85 The Moon and Stars
author: Jenna Warren
name: Deborah
average rating: 3.85
book published:
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2022/10/18
shelves:
review:
I loved this book. The story of Matthew, whose chronic stage fright has prevented him from doing what he loves, drew me in from the start. The characters are believable and the plot well-paced and interesting. I could relate to the main character and enjoyed watching him change and develop as the story moved towards its conclusion.

Jenna Warren writes with an easy informality which endears the narrator/protagonist to the reader, allowing you to witness his hopes and fears first-hand. This keeps you reading, keen to find out his fate and how the interplay between the other characters affect it.

This is a book about how small triumphs can lead to large ones. It reminds us of the power of kindness and how friendship and community carry immense potential to transform us. A moving and enjoyable read. Highly recommended.

]]> The Fish 60182703
A few decades into the twenty-first century, in their permanently flooded garden in Cornwall, Cathy and her wife Ephie give up on their vegetable patch and plant a paddy field instead. Thousands of miles away, expat Margaret is struggling to adjust to life in Kuala Lumpur, now a coastal city. In New Zealand, two teenagers marvel at the extreme storms hitting their island.

But they are not the only ones adapting to the changing climate. The starfish on Cathy’s kitchen window are just the start. As all manner of sea creatures begin to leave the oceans and invade the land, the new normal becomes increasingly hard to accept.]]> 256 Joanne Stubbs 1914148193 Deborah 4
This unique and unsettling piece of climate fiction was a slow burn for me until about halfway through. From then on, I really wanted to find out what happened. I thought it was interesting looking at a global environmental disaster through the eyes of three such different characters and found them all thought-provoking and believable, especially Cathy and Margaret. I think this was a clever and insightful way to show how people can be affected differently by the same things.

Joanne Stubbs writes with an easy confidence which allows the reader to feel part of each person’s story. She is clearly very knowledgeable in her field and able to explain the devastation in the book, wrought by the effects of pollution and climate change, in a clear, concise manner. The imaginary scenarios created by the author � fish adapting to land, violent storms, poisonous mists � are horrifyingly credible. They certainly challenge the reader to think about the potential consequences of our self-centred lifestyle in new ways. These haunting words will stay with me: ‘Nature -that great beast of a woman � was out to get us all.�

This is a clever debut by a talented author. I will look out for Joanne’s next book with great interest.]]> 3.47 The Fish
author: Joanne Stubbs
name: Deborah
average rating: 3.47
book published:
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2022/10/04
shelves:
review:
‘When they come, I will feel like we deserve it.�

This unique and unsettling piece of climate fiction was a slow burn for me until about halfway through. From then on, I really wanted to find out what happened. I thought it was interesting looking at a global environmental disaster through the eyes of three such different characters and found them all thought-provoking and believable, especially Cathy and Margaret. I think this was a clever and insightful way to show how people can be affected differently by the same things.

Joanne Stubbs writes with an easy confidence which allows the reader to feel part of each person’s story. She is clearly very knowledgeable in her field and able to explain the devastation in the book, wrought by the effects of pollution and climate change, in a clear, concise manner. The imaginary scenarios created by the author � fish adapting to land, violent storms, poisonous mists � are horrifyingly credible. They certainly challenge the reader to think about the potential consequences of our self-centred lifestyle in new ways. These haunting words will stay with me: ‘Nature -that great beast of a woman � was out to get us all.�

This is a clever debut by a talented author. I will look out for Joanne’s next book with great interest.
]]> <![CDATA[Instructions for the Working Day]]> 60182701 ‘You go too far, my friend. You are near dangerous ground.�

Neil Fischer owns a village. Having inherited his father’s former hometown of Marschwald in East Germany, left to deteriorate since the fall of the Berlin Wall, Neil faces the task of deciphering his demanding father’s last wish and restoring the derelict village to its former glory.

But when he travels to Marschwald with plans to renovate and revive it, he is met with hostility, mistrust and underlying menace. His only friend in Marschwald is Silke, who is coming to terms with her traumatic experiences during the Cold War and has recently uncovered a shocking truth, concealed from her for years by her controlling brother.

As tensions rise, a series of surreal encounters force Neil to contend with his own troubled past � but in his present, all signs point to danger.]]> 256 Joanna Campbell 1914148150 Deborah 4
The premise of the book is unusual � an East German village, an inheritance, reluctant tenants. This also kept me reading, wanting to find out what happened to the unsettling place at the heart of the story. Would Neil be accepted by the villagers? Would he make something of the life he had left?

Psychological thrillers are not my usual bag, but Joanna Campbell reels you in gently with the simple elegance of her words and before I knew it, I was hooked. Flipping between two car journeys and the circumstances surrounding them, past and present, the author begins the book like painting the outline of a picture you want to see finished, even if it’s unsettling and sad. I would have hidden behind a cushion at times if I’d been watching this on TV. As it was, I held the book at arm’s length and shut one eye.

I cannot speak of the ending. It took my breath away and I can’t stop thinking about it. This, I think, is the sign of a very good read.
]]> 3.67 Instructions for the Working Day
author: Joanna Campbell
name: Deborah
average rating: 3.67
book published:
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2022/09/12
shelves:
review:
This novel is an intriguing read about dark secrets and tense relationships. It’s filled with journeys and attempted journeys which mirror the personal quests and revelations of the characters, who are well drawn and completely believable. I became deeply involved with Neil Fischer, and his painful past, longing for things to work out for him. I also loved Silke, and her tragic story had me rooting for her to the last page.

The premise of the book is unusual � an East German village, an inheritance, reluctant tenants. This also kept me reading, wanting to find out what happened to the unsettling place at the heart of the story. Would Neil be accepted by the villagers? Would he make something of the life he had left?

Psychological thrillers are not my usual bag, but Joanna Campbell reels you in gently with the simple elegance of her words and before I knew it, I was hooked. Flipping between two car journeys and the circumstances surrounding them, past and present, the author begins the book like painting the outline of a picture you want to see finished, even if it’s unsettling and sad. I would have hidden behind a cushion at times if I’d been watching this on TV. As it was, I held the book at arm’s length and shut one eye.

I cannot speak of the ending. It took my breath away and I can’t stop thinking about it. This, I think, is the sign of a very good read.

]]> Light Through The Cracks 59522391
Light through the Cracks contains ten true stories, united by a common theme: All of them feature ordinary people encountering God, in extraordinary ways, in the toughest of life’s circumstances.

Starting with her own dramatic story of the car accident that could have left her dead or paralysed, Joanna Watson writes authentically and compellingly of how God breaks in when life turns tough. Each story raises faith, builds hope, and encourages readers to look for God’s Light through the cracks in their own challenging situations.]]> 272 Joanna Watson 191286388X Deborah 4
Joanna Watson’s sincerity and faith shine through the book. As does her faithfulness in prayerful and practical support to those in need, whether within her own family or those known to her. I was also impressed at the attention to detail and the honesty in these stories. Here is no attempt to gloss over pain or deny less than perfect outcomes. Joanna has interviewed each person at depth, transcribed recordings, read journal entries and notes, waded through emails, blog posts and newspaper cuttings. Her desire to record these experiences accurately was clearly of paramount importance.

If you’re in a hard place and have never prayed or believed God cares, or if you’re already a believer needing a spur to trust God more, you would do well to read this lovely book. Many thanks to the author for putting together these ten stories of how God shone his light into dark places to bring restoration, healing and hope.]]> 4.54 Light Through The Cracks
author: Joanna Watson
name: Deborah
average rating: 4.54
book published:
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2022/09/08
shelves:
review:
Light Through the Cracks is a personal account of the author’s experiences of extraordinary help and healing in both her own life and that of others. It explores how the power of prayer can change the most heart-breaking situations and restore hope in circumstances where most would not expect to find it. These include a cancer diagnosis, a premature birth, a stroke, multiple injuries from a car crash. Life has a way of throwing such things at us when we least expect them � how can we hope to survive and, in some ways, thrive as a result of trauma and tragedy?

Joanna Watson’s sincerity and faith shine through the book. As does her faithfulness in prayerful and practical support to those in need, whether within her own family or those known to her. I was also impressed at the attention to detail and the honesty in these stories. Here is no attempt to gloss over pain or deny less than perfect outcomes. Joanna has interviewed each person at depth, transcribed recordings, read journal entries and notes, waded through emails, blog posts and newspaper cuttings. Her desire to record these experiences accurately was clearly of paramount importance.

If you’re in a hard place and have never prayed or believed God cares, or if you’re already a believer needing a spur to trust God more, you would do well to read this lovely book. Many thanks to the author for putting together these ten stories of how God shone his light into dark places to bring restoration, healing and hope.
]]> <![CDATA[Illustrated Tales of Warwickshire]]> 59793333 96 S C Skillman 1398110930 Deborah 5
Some of my favourite were: unexplained footsteps heard in a former seventeenth century coaching inn, the traditional wooden toy maker discovered by Disney invited to help with the film Pinocchio and the assassination of the king of the Mercians (This could be because my middle name is Mercia and, being so unusual, I love anything to do with it!) But there are so many more.

What I found so impressive about this book is both the level of research that must have gone into it and the smooth retelling of historical events/legends. It’s so well done that you can visualise each place, sensing the atmosphere and feeling part of its history even from a distance. This is enhanced by the stunning colour photographs which bring Warwickshire to life on the page.

This is a beautifully written and illustrated read. Highly recommended.
]]> 4.91 Illustrated Tales of Warwickshire
author: S C Skillman
name: Deborah
average rating: 4.91
book published:
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2022/08/18
shelves:
review:
S.C. Skillman’s Illustrated Tales of Warwickshire is a fascinating read. Anyone from this area, or thinking of visiting, would love the beautiful photographs and well researched history of a multitude of towns, villages and places of interest. What’s so lovely about this book is that, far from being a series of dry facts embellished for interest, the book is a journey through the lives of people who lived there and a mine of information on the legends, folklore and true-life stories that have shaped the area. How refreshing to read such a beautifully written history in terms of its people and the stories they’ve told, lived or witnessed. Skillman makes the towns and villages of Warwickshire come alive.

Some of my favourite were: unexplained footsteps heard in a former seventeenth century coaching inn, the traditional wooden toy maker discovered by Disney invited to help with the film Pinocchio and the assassination of the king of the Mercians (This could be because my middle name is Mercia and, being so unusual, I love anything to do with it!) But there are so many more.

What I found so impressive about this book is both the level of research that must have gone into it and the smooth retelling of historical events/legends. It’s so well done that you can visualise each place, sensing the atmosphere and feeling part of its history even from a distance. This is enhanced by the stunning colour photographs which bring Warwickshire to life on the page.

This is a beautifully written and illustrated read. Highly recommended.

]]> Starling 60182702
One morning, without explanation, Mar leaves and doesn’t come back. Utterly alone, Starling must learn to survive without her mother and build a life on her own terms.

An offer to stay with an old friend draws her into a more conventional way of living � but can rootless Starling ever find a place where she truly belongs?]]> 256 Sarah Jane Butler 1914148177 Deborah 5
I was beckoned into the woods and fields of the story with the opening lines and held there until I put the book down. The plot unfolded at just the right pace, allowing me to hope that things would turn out for the better, but surprising me, for good and ill, when I least expected it. The story is one of loneliness, fear and uncertainty but also of friendship, hope and longing. It gave me a strong sense of the power of the land; of the strength of community; of both the ingenuity and hardships of a nomadic life.

Out at the end of September, Starling is the perfect, atmospheric read for the last quarter of the year. I loved it and would highly recommend it as a deeply thought provoking, beautifully written and satisfying story.
]]> 3.91 2022 Starling
author: Sarah Jane Butler
name: Deborah
average rating: 3.91
book published: 2022
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2022/07/26
shelves:
review:
A beautiful, powerful story of life, loss and journeying. I loved Starling and read it over two greedy days. The author writes with such simple elegance and attention to detail, that I had to stop countless times to reread the beautiful language � ‘the high sky held a handful of light�, ‘she measured out words carefully as though she and Starling were running out of sounds�. This, on almost every page.

I was beckoned into the woods and fields of the story with the opening lines and held there until I put the book down. The plot unfolded at just the right pace, allowing me to hope that things would turn out for the better, but surprising me, for good and ill, when I least expected it. The story is one of loneliness, fear and uncertainty but also of friendship, hope and longing. It gave me a strong sense of the power of the land; of the strength of community; of both the ingenuity and hardships of a nomadic life.

Out at the end of September, Starling is the perfect, atmospheric read for the last quarter of the year. I loved it and would highly recommend it as a deeply thought provoking, beautifully written and satisfying story.

]]> The House of Marvellous Books 59486212 Tucked away in a near-derelict library in the center of London, The House of Marvellous Books is a publishing house on the brink of financial disaster.

With assistant Ursula asleep at her desk, head publisher Gerard going health and safety mad, and chief editor Drusilla focused on finding a supposedly priceless but famously missing manuscript, there is hardly anyone left to steer the ship. Young Mortimer Blackley, assistant editor, charts the descent of the House in his logbook as it lurches from one failure to the next.

Will mysterious Russian buyers, lurking in the wings, stop the ship from sinking at great cost to all? Or will Drusilla find the legendary Daybreak Manuscript and save the day?

With witty and sharp observations, Fiona Vigo Marshall draws upon a career spent working in small publishing houses to create a laugh-out-loud ode to the publishing industry.]]> 320 Fiona Vigo Marshall 1914148096 Deborah 5
The plot is relatively gentle, but the sparkling humour and clever characterisation kept me hooked and the narrative moves along at a comfortable pace. I love the way the story unfolds and enjoyed the descriptions of the library and the interactions between different departments.

I wanted to find out what happened to this quirky cast of characters and how they would react as the company plunged towards financial ruin. They all seemed strangely familiar, their foibles believable. Their relationships with one other and with the writers they work with, are fascinating and at times hilarious. Rumours of the existence, somewhere on the premises, of an old and valuable book alone holds the promise of salvation for them all.

I would recommend this warm and witty read for writers, publishers and booklovers everywhere. It will put a big smile on your face�
]]> 3.12 2022 The House of Marvellous Books
author: Fiona Vigo Marshall
name: Deborah
average rating: 3.12
book published: 2022
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2022/05/20
shelves:
review:
The House of Marvellous Books is such a humorous, entertaining story. Fiona Vigo’s wit kept me giggling and her fabulously vivid descriptions of a traditional publishing house made for a truly immersive experience. As a writer, I also found it interesting to see how things are ‘on the other side�, although of course this is a heavily satirised account (or is it?!)

The plot is relatively gentle, but the sparkling humour and clever characterisation kept me hooked and the narrative moves along at a comfortable pace. I love the way the story unfolds and enjoyed the descriptions of the library and the interactions between different departments.

I wanted to find out what happened to this quirky cast of characters and how they would react as the company plunged towards financial ruin. They all seemed strangely familiar, their foibles believable. Their relationships with one other and with the writers they work with, are fascinating and at times hilarious. Rumours of the existence, somewhere on the premises, of an old and valuable book alone holds the promise of salvation for them all.

I would recommend this warm and witty read for writers, publishers and booklovers everywhere. It will put a big smile on your face�

]]> <![CDATA[Regrets of the Dying: Stories and Wisdom That Remind Us How to Live]]> 59829996
If you were told you were going to die tomorrow, what would you regret?

Ten years ago, without time to think or prepare, Georgina Scull ruptured internally. The doctors told her she could have died and, as Georgina recovered, she began to consider the life she had led and what she would have left behind.

Paralysed by a fear of wasting what seemed like precious time but also fully ready to learn how to spend her second chance, Georgina set out to meet others who had faced their own mortality or had the end in sight.

The people she met taught her what it feels like to know you're running out of time, what tends to stays with you, what you should let go of, what everyone wishes they'd done differently and what it means to have a life well-lived.

Regrets of the Dying is a powerful and hopeful meditation on life and what really matters in the end.]]> 320 Georgina Scull 1787396835 Deborah 5
What Georgina Scull does in her beautiful book, Regrets of the Dying, is to offer us the wisdom she and others have learned at great cost from life-changing trauma. Having internally ruptured and been close to death herself, the author decided to meet and question others who had been in similar positions to find out if and what they’d changed about their lives. What did they regret? How were they squeezing the juice from the time they had left?

The stories themselves are at times heart-breaking but they’re also inspiring. Hope sings from these pages as the author shares not only people’s tragedies but their revelations too: work to live not vice versa, trust your gut, say sorry before it’s too late. These are just a few nuggets drawn from the experiences of those interviewed for the book.

The style is well written and unpretentious, refusing to distract the reader from the stories told. But Scull draws together the wisdom of many with clarity and insight, ending with a challenge for us all. A deeply reflective and inspiring read which I would recommend to anyone, especially those needing to refocus on the things that really matter.
]]> 3.84 Regrets of the Dying: Stories and Wisdom That Remind Us How to Live
author: Georgina Scull
name: Deborah
average rating: 3.84
book published:
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2022/04/24
shelves:
review:
How do you live life after facing death? We all know our lives will end one day, yet we live as if they won’t. Often, it’s too painful to admit otherwise. But for most of us, there are milestone-moments where, forced to stare death in the face, we re-evaluate the past and decide to live the future differently.

What Georgina Scull does in her beautiful book, Regrets of the Dying, is to offer us the wisdom she and others have learned at great cost from life-changing trauma. Having internally ruptured and been close to death herself, the author decided to meet and question others who had been in similar positions to find out if and what they’d changed about their lives. What did they regret? How were they squeezing the juice from the time they had left?

The stories themselves are at times heart-breaking but they’re also inspiring. Hope sings from these pages as the author shares not only people’s tragedies but their revelations too: work to live not vice versa, trust your gut, say sorry before it’s too late. These are just a few nuggets drawn from the experiences of those interviewed for the book.

The style is well written and unpretentious, refusing to distract the reader from the stories told. But Scull draws together the wisdom of many with clarity and insight, ending with a challenge for us all. A deeply reflective and inspiring read which I would recommend to anyone, especially those needing to refocus on the things that really matter.

]]> The Piano Room 56684839
Eighteen-year-old Sandor Esterhazy, rich and entitled, is descended from a long line of talented pianists, but he has no intention of following in their footsteps. One afternoon, in a fit of pique, he calls up the devil, using an old book of magic spells, and offers to exchange his soul for a life free to choose his own destiny. Afterward, Sandor laughs it off as a joke, but that night he sees the shape of a man approaching the house. He is dragging someone � or something � behind him through the snow. Sandor goes down to the piano room. The devil has delivered a bare-foot young man who Sandor instantly recognizes. But what is this creature? And what exactly is to be done with him?]]> 352 Clio Velentza 1912054892 Deborah 4
The premise is disturbing � a young man, Sandor, miserable at what was expected of him in his given life, is charmed by the temptation put before him (‘Everything will be taken care of. You will be free to lead the life you choose rather than the one laid out for you.�) The heavy expectations of his parents, that he too will pursue a life of musical passion and performance, lie so heavy on Sandor’s heart that he is persuaded. Despite misgivings, he sells his soul to the devil in exchange for the freedom he has long dreamed of.

With a dual timeline, the 1970s and the 1990s, the narrative swings between Sandor and Ferdi, the latter a doppleganger created by the devil to be trained as the accomplished pianist Sandor would never be. Escaping from Sandor’s control, we watch Ferdi wrestling with his fear and longing desperately wanting him to fulfil his hunger for a life of his own.

The author writes beautifully with a fluid style and an eye for detail that draws you in and keeps you turning the page. Despair, hope, freedom, captivity, loss and longing are powerful themes within the book and ones we can all relate to. With a gothic feel, the story is quite dark and atmospheric but there are tendrils of hope reaching through the relationships, particularly those of Ferdi and his work colleagues. I was desperate for a vaguely hopeful ending and unsure if I would get one. You will have to read it to find out!

I would recommend The Piano Room as an atmospheric, gothic-style read with disturbing but thought-provoking themes, by a talented writer.
]]> 3.68 The Piano Room
author: Clio Velentza
name: Deborah
average rating: 3.68
book published:
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2022/04/18
shelves:
review:
Clio Velentza’s compelling and unusual retelling of the myth of Faust, is not, if I’m honest, the kind of book I would normally read. But I downloaded a sample several months ago and was drawn in by the atmospheric prose and confident storytelling.

The premise is disturbing � a young man, Sandor, miserable at what was expected of him in his given life, is charmed by the temptation put before him (‘Everything will be taken care of. You will be free to lead the life you choose rather than the one laid out for you.�) The heavy expectations of his parents, that he too will pursue a life of musical passion and performance, lie so heavy on Sandor’s heart that he is persuaded. Despite misgivings, he sells his soul to the devil in exchange for the freedom he has long dreamed of.

With a dual timeline, the 1970s and the 1990s, the narrative swings between Sandor and Ferdi, the latter a doppleganger created by the devil to be trained as the accomplished pianist Sandor would never be. Escaping from Sandor’s control, we watch Ferdi wrestling with his fear and longing desperately wanting him to fulfil his hunger for a life of his own.

The author writes beautifully with a fluid style and an eye for detail that draws you in and keeps you turning the page. Despair, hope, freedom, captivity, loss and longing are powerful themes within the book and ones we can all relate to. With a gothic feel, the story is quite dark and atmospheric but there are tendrils of hope reaching through the relationships, particularly those of Ferdi and his work colleagues. I was desperate for a vaguely hopeful ending and unsure if I would get one. You will have to read it to find out!

I would recommend The Piano Room as an atmospheric, gothic-style read with disturbing but thought-provoking themes, by a talented writer.

]]> Home Truths with Lady Grey 60705804
When Mona goes to work for Jennifer as a carer, Jennifer is initially defensive, but the two soon discover that despite their differences they have so much to learn from one another. Will Mona discover how to balance the conflicting loyalties of family and self? Will Jennifer learn to let others in? And most importantly, will they both survive?]]> 272 Katherine Blessan 1839784628 Deborah 4 currently-reading
I loved the interplay of different cultures and personalities in this story. Katherine Blessan has created believable characters and drawn vivid pictures of independent but lonely Jennifer and her carer, Mona, a settled young mum from an Iranian family. The way in which these characters interact and are developed keeps you reading, wanting to find out how their relationships pan out.

The author writes with a keen eye and weaves a tale which subtly explores a number of key issues in society today � loneliness, mental health, gambling, physical illness, anxiety. I really enjoyed reading Home Truths and would recommend it to anyone who like me, is interested in inclusive fiction which draws on a range of themes to tell a story which remains with you after you’ve turned the last page.
]]> 4.31 Home Truths with Lady Grey
author: Katherine Blessan
name: Deborah
average rating: 4.31
book published:
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2022/04/10
shelves: currently-reading
review:
This character driven novel focuses on the way in which two very different women live, interact and make sense of their lives. With a dual timeline, the reader is drawn back and forward, able to gradually fill in the blanks when trying to understand these intriguing women and the journeys they are on. Both have current challenges - illness, parents, loneliness, a gambling partner - but both also have complex back stories which we are invited into at various points.

I loved the interplay of different cultures and personalities in this story. Katherine Blessan has created believable characters and drawn vivid pictures of independent but lonely Jennifer and her carer, Mona, a settled young mum from an Iranian family. The way in which these characters interact and are developed keeps you reading, wanting to find out how their relationships pan out.

The author writes with a keen eye and weaves a tale which subtly explores a number of key issues in society today � loneliness, mental health, gambling, physical illness, anxiety. I really enjoyed reading Home Truths and would recommend it to anyone who like me, is interested in inclusive fiction which draws on a range of themes to tell a story which remains with you after you’ve turned the last page.

]]> The Wounds of Time 60671750 THE HEALING KNIFE AND THE THORN OF TRUTHHere I was, banging on the door of a house I never wanted to enter again, transported back into the world of an adolescent seething with rage.

I'm strong, I told myself. I can cope. I never cry.

Janet is queen of her realm.

Senior Clerk at Hartington Chambers, she is at the pinnacle of a career achieved in the face of hardship. But when work and family crises collide, her life begins to unravel. As disaster threatens, will denying the past and relying on herself be enough to carry her through?


The best stories are character-driven…but there must be good characters � realistic, vivid and interesting. Such is Janet Clarke. In 'The Wounds of Time' we share in her story � absorbing, moving and challenging all the way. Paul Trembling, The Hidden Libraries

From the start we are faced with believable characters and an absorbing plot which twists and turns to its conclusion. A thoroughly enjoyable read. Deborah Jenkins, Braver

A beautifully rendered exploration of the tangled relationship between self and soul. 'The Wounds of Time' is simply S.L. Russell's best yet. C.F. Dunn, Mortal Fire

I enjoyed meeting again some of the characters from S.L. Russell's previous two novels, The Healing Knife and The Thorn of Truth. S.C. Skillman, Mystical Circles

This contemporary novel immediately draws the reader in� A very good read with some thought-provoking moments. Penelope Swithinbank, Scent of Water

From the first word to the last this book pulled me in and would not let me go. Gripping at its best. Wendy H. Jones, Killer's Curse

Authentic, colourful characters, vivid settings and a plot that drew me in. Enjoyed it very much. Liz Carter, Catching Contentment]]> 289 S L Russell Deborah 5
Russell writes with an easy confidence, as though to a friend, but can ramp up tension at a moment’s notice. A thoroughly enjoyable read with an engaging setting, well-drawn characters and a dynamic plot. ]]> 4.40 The Wounds of Time
author: S L Russell
name: Deborah
average rating: 4.40
book published:
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2022/03/28
shelves:
review:
With her eye for detail and strong sense of place, S L Russell has written another fabulous page-turner. Managing to combine suspense and relatability, from the start we are faced with believable characters and an absorbing plot which twists and turns towards its conclusion.

Russell writes with an easy confidence, as though to a friend, but can ramp up tension at a moment’s notice. A thoroughly enjoyable read with an engaging setting, well-drawn characters and a dynamic plot.
]]> Duckling 58471242 What if your neighbour asked you to watch her seven-year-old daughter for an afternoon, and didn't come back?

Lucy's life is small, but safe. Every day she goes to work, checks in on her unstable, alcoholic father, then spends her evenings watching old Columbo reruns, isolating herself away from the rest of the community on her South London estate.

Her routine is all that she can handle, given what happened in her past.

So when her new neighbour Cassie asks Lucy if she could look after her seven-year-old daughter Rubi, she is reluctant to agree.

Then when the hours pass, and then days, and Rubi's Mum doesn't come back, Lucy's worst-case-scenario is now her reality. Lucy is not only responsible for herself anymore. She is responsible for a scared little girl who needs her help.

Something has happened to Cassie, and Lucy must find her before it's too late.]]> Eve Ainsworth 147359183X Deborah 5
I loved this book as I knew I would. It ticked all my boxes � a quirky, edge-of-things protagonist; page-turning plot and believable characters who become friends. Eve Ainsworth knows how to hook readers in with her fluid prose and careful settings which are so well drawn that you feel you’re breathing the same air as Lucy and Rubi et al.

We immediately start rooting for Lucy whose past has convinced her she is a misfit of the highest order and not worthy of the things others can expect from life. Left suddenly in charge of young Rubi, she is forced to face up to some of her fears and as the story unfolds, we see her beginning to step out of the self-imposed cocoon she has woven around herself. How much longer can she keep others out?

Rubi is sweet and sassy with a kind of simple wisdom of the sort that children can often instinctively tap into. Distraught at her mother’s disappearance, she clings to Lucy, choosing to believe she can find Cassie. But who will Lucy turn to while trying to find out where Cassie’s gone.

This is a beautiful and satisfying read which will restore your faith in life, people and the power of community for when things go wrong. Highly recommended.
]]> 3.99 Duckling
author: Eve Ainsworth
name: Deborah
average rating: 3.99
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2022/03/22
date added: 2022/03/22
shelves:
review:
It’s a nightmare scenario many of us have contemplated when babysitting for longer than expected. But we voice it only to ourselves � What if they don’t back? This time the worry is justified.

I loved this book as I knew I would. It ticked all my boxes � a quirky, edge-of-things protagonist; page-turning plot and believable characters who become friends. Eve Ainsworth knows how to hook readers in with her fluid prose and careful settings which are so well drawn that you feel you’re breathing the same air as Lucy and Rubi et al.

We immediately start rooting for Lucy whose past has convinced her she is a misfit of the highest order and not worthy of the things others can expect from life. Left suddenly in charge of young Rubi, she is forced to face up to some of her fears and as the story unfolds, we see her beginning to step out of the self-imposed cocoon she has woven around herself. How much longer can she keep others out?

Rubi is sweet and sassy with a kind of simple wisdom of the sort that children can often instinctively tap into. Distraught at her mother’s disappearance, she clings to Lucy, choosing to believe she can find Cassie. But who will Lucy turn to while trying to find out where Cassie’s gone.

This is a beautiful and satisfying read which will restore your faith in life, people and the power of community for when things go wrong. Highly recommended.

]]> <![CDATA[They'll Never Read That: How to Make Mistakes in Publishing]]> 59096030 'Quite frankly, Tony Collins' work is a sheer delight. His writing is crisp, clean, and in some cases quite beautiful. He shares with the reader not only an amazing career � lifetime, really � surrounded by books and writers. He also manages to convey the heart of a patient, kindly, and very passionate gentleman. A marvellous achievement. Highly recommended.' Davis Bunn, international bestselling author
'If you love books and publishing, you’ll enjoy this story about a life with words. Tony tells his tale with relish, perspective, and good humour.' Chip MacGregor , long-time literary agent and former publisher with Time-Warner]]> 256 Tony Collins 1912863987 Deborah 5
As a writer, it gave me a real insight into the trials publishers face; as a human being, I was struck by the courage and conviction by someone so dedicated to their calling. Tony’s faith in God and publishing to do good, is inspiring.

Highly recommended to writers, readers and booklovers everywhere.]]> 4.69 They'll Never Read That: How to Make Mistakes in Publishing
author: Tony Collins
name: Deborah
average rating: 4.69
book published:
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2022/02/25
shelves:
review:
This book was a delight. Tony writes about his forty+ years in publishing in a way that is honest, humorous and at times, moving. He has had many adventures, challenges and surprises and I was struck by the risks and rewards of a career in this unpredictable and ever-changing field.

As a writer, it gave me a real insight into the trials publishers face; as a human being, I was struck by the courage and conviction by someone so dedicated to their calling. Tony’s faith in God and publishing to do good, is inspiring.

Highly recommended to writers, readers and booklovers everywhere.
]]> <![CDATA[The Trials of Isabella M Smugge]]> 59085574
With an unexpected baby on the way, a good-for-nothing husband and a mother who never seemed to care but now needs caring for, her hands are full. Her venal agent and creative socials guru keep work fizzing, but how will she cope with the mysterious village snitch and poisonous gossip columnist Lavinia Harcourt?

Discovering others� problems can be far worse than her own, she confronts bizarre church sub-culture and braces herself to use the NHS, rethinking all she thought she wanted. Could true happiness be just a few hashtags away?]]> 288 Ruth Leigh 1912726505 Deborah 5 What I love about Ruth Leigh’s writing is her ability to entertain as well as subtly examine life’s deeper issues: rejection, friendship and the games we play on social media, to name a few; also, Issy’s wonderfully refreshing and simple take on faith which is devoid of all the usual stereotypes and ‘Christian-speak� which can so annoy and detract from what really matters (‘I decided to call in the big guns…Dear God, Isabella M Smugge here. I wonder if You would be so kind as to send a tall person along…�) Why? You will have to read the book�
It’s not easy to take a character you’ve spent a whole book developing and then plumb further depths with her in Book 2. Yet Ruth Leigh has achieved this with apparent ease and in considerable detail, yet not in a way you really notice until the end. Skillfully weaving Issy’s changing perceptions of life into a relatively gentle but absorbing plot, you finish the book replete yet reflective. A thoroughly satisfying follow-up to The Diary of Isabella M Smugge.
]]> 4.76 The Trials of Isabella M Smugge
author: Ruth Leigh
name: Deborah
average rating: 4.76
book published:
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2021/10/01
shelves:
review:
This much anticipated follow-up from Ruth Leigh did not disappoint. Fresh, moving and funny, it had me rifling through the pages, particularly at the beginning and towards the end, to find out what happens to our friend, the now considerably less-smug Isabella. How will she cope as a single mum? Will she get back together with Johnnie? What about Lavinia and the life-long grudge she holds against Issy? Will Mummy soften as she ages? These and other questions are amply answered during the course of this enjoyable read.
What I love about Ruth Leigh’s writing is her ability to entertain as well as subtly examine life’s deeper issues: rejection, friendship and the games we play on social media, to name a few; also, Issy’s wonderfully refreshing and simple take on faith which is devoid of all the usual stereotypes and ‘Christian-speak� which can so annoy and detract from what really matters (‘I decided to call in the big guns…Dear God, Isabella M Smugge here. I wonder if You would be so kind as to send a tall person along…�) Why? You will have to read the book�
It’s not easy to take a character you’ve spent a whole book developing and then plumb further depths with her in Book 2. Yet Ruth Leigh has achieved this with apparent ease and in considerable detail, yet not in a way you really notice until the end. Skillfully weaving Issy’s changing perceptions of life into a relatively gentle but absorbing plot, you finish the book replete yet reflective. A thoroughly satisfying follow-up to The Diary of Isabella M Smugge.

]]> The Thorn of Truth 54954599 It was the worst bind, and I felt panic rising up inside me, threatening to steal my breath.

Anna Milburn has been a working barrister for twenty years. But when a local drug lord is implicated in the murder of a young policeman, the case shakes her very foundations and threatens what she holds most dear� her only child.]]> 336 S.L. Russell 1782643362 Deborah 5
I have read all of Russell’s books and one of the things I love most is the strong sense of place. It’s important to me to be able to see, in my mind’s eye, where a character is at any given point, and this will only happen if descriptions are well written. This author achieves this every time, clearly, economically and with just the right amount of detail to fill out the scene for me. Too many words and I’m lost. Too few and I’m frustrated. Russell gets it just right.

As well as this, all the elements of a good story are there: page-turning suspense, believable characters, engaging dialogue, conflict, questions, resolution, all woven skillfully together in an easy, flowing writing style.

I would highly recommend this book which also holds a fascinating glimpse into the legal world and weaves a very human story around a system that can clearly hold many challenges for those within it.

I have read all eight of Russell’s books and am looking forward already to the next one.
]]> 4.00 The Thorn of Truth
author: S.L. Russell
name: Deborah
average rating: 4.00
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2021/04/08
date added: 2021/05/02
shelves:
review:
A compelling story about love, duty, integrity and the high cost of truth. Anna Milburn is a barrister with a strong sense of calling and a commitment to the highest standards in both her professional and personal lives. When faced with a seemingly impossible choice, Anna is called to draw on every ounce of strength she possesses in order to make the right decision, taking into account the threat to her own interests and those she loves.

I have read all of Russell’s books and one of the things I love most is the strong sense of place. It’s important to me to be able to see, in my mind’s eye, where a character is at any given point, and this will only happen if descriptions are well written. This author achieves this every time, clearly, economically and with just the right amount of detail to fill out the scene for me. Too many words and I’m lost. Too few and I’m frustrated. Russell gets it just right.

As well as this, all the elements of a good story are there: page-turning suspense, believable characters, engaging dialogue, conflict, questions, resolution, all woven skillfully together in an easy, flowing writing style.

I would highly recommend this book which also holds a fascinating glimpse into the legal world and weaves a very human story around a system that can clearly hold many challenges for those within it.

I have read all eight of Russell’s books and am looking forward already to the next one.

]]> Back Trouble 21143923 From the highly-acclaimed author of SMALL PLEASURES - winner of the 2022 British Book Awards.On the brink of forty, newly single with a failed business, Philip thought he had reached an all-time low. . . It only needed a discarded chip on a South London street to lay him literally flat. So, bedbound and bored, Philip naturally starts to write the story of his life.But between the mundane catalogue of seaside holidays and bodged DIY, broken relationships and unspoken truths, more surprises are revealed - both comic and touching - than Philip or his family ever bargained for. Maybe there will even be a happy ending. __________________Praise for Clare 'A funny book which slips in some acute and painful observations on the side' The Times'Chambers' eye for undemonstrative details achieves a Larkin-esque lucidity' The Guardian on Small Pleasures'A funny and moving story with a great deal of style!' Daily Express]]> 208 Clare Chambers Deborah 5 3.78 1994 Back Trouble
author: Clare Chambers
name: Deborah
average rating: 3.78
book published: 1994
rating: 5
read at: 2021/02/11
date added: 2021/02/11
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Diary of Isabella M Smugge]]> 56762984 Newly arrived in the country, Isabella is ready to bring a dash of London glamour to the school gate and gain a whole new set of followers � though getting past the instant coffee, terrible hair and own-brand sausage rolls may be a challenge!
But as her Latvian au pair’s behaviour becomes increasingly bizarre and a national gossip columnist nurses a grudge, Isabella finds herself in need of true friends and begins to wonder if her life really is as picture-perfect as she thought…]]> 256 Ruth Leigh 1912726408 Deborah 5
Played out against the backdrop of village life, the story unfolds in an entirely vivid and believable way. I loved the descriptions of local friends, the school and its staff, even the gardener. Ruth Leigh has a way of making the smallest interactions a joy to behold. She is an immensely articulate and clever writer with that rare ability to turn laughter to tears in the space of a sentence. I would highly recommend the Diary of Isabella M Smugge and am looking forward to many more from this author #IssyrulesandsodoesRuthLeigh
]]> 4.57 The Diary of Isabella M Smugge
author: Ruth Leigh
name: Deborah
average rating: 4.57
book published:
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2021/01/29
shelves:
review:
A wonderfully absorbing read which pulls you into the life of an upper class country woman whose take on life is both disturbing and hilarious. Not a particularly fast reader, I literally could not put this book down and read it in three sittings. The author has an amusing, witty style yet you never get the impression she is laughing at Isabella, managing to engender a real affection for the beleaguered blogger-writer with her perfect home, handsome husband and designer lifestyle. All is not quite as it seems, however, in the Grade 2 listed Georgian house with its indoor gym, pool and tennis courts. And as Isabella's carefully built facade begins to crumble, there are glimpses of her childhood, her past, her family relationships. All this puts a different slant on the parenting of her own children and we see Issy questioning many of the things she has always held dear.

Played out against the backdrop of village life, the story unfolds in an entirely vivid and believable way. I loved the descriptions of local friends, the school and its staff, even the gardener. Ruth Leigh has a way of making the smallest interactions a joy to behold. She is an immensely articulate and clever writer with that rare ability to turn laughter to tears in the space of a sentence. I would highly recommend the Diary of Isabella M Smugge and am looking forward to many more from this author #IssyrulesandsodoesRuthLeigh

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