Archive | May 2021

But You Don’t Look Sick by Bette Brown

May2

A Useful Companion

But You Don’t Look Sick by Bette Brown is a powerful little book looking at fibromyalgia. If you are a sufferer or know someone who is, this book will be useful to read.

The book covers some of the symptoms (but not all as the list is huge), the medications and helpful suggestions as to what may work, how to cope and how to tell others.

Fibromyalgia is an invisible illness. You look fine but don’t feel fine. Ordinary tasks may be hard and brain fog (which I thought was unique to me) is very frustrating.

There are personal stories from sufferers which helps to know that you are not alone.

Continue reading →

The Dog Sitter by Zara Stoneley

May2

Highly Amusing

The Dog Sitter by Zara Stoneley is a wonderful contemporary novel set in the heart of the Lake District.

The area comes alive under the author’s descriptive pen. The reader ‘experiences’ the richness of the open countryside. It is an area of outstanding natural beauty but with elements of danger as the weather can turn in an instant.

At the heart of the novel is Bella, a black cockerpoo who stole my heart. Zara Stoneley has brought her to life as she captures the essence of the bouncy, lovable. Loyal dog.

There is the theme of finding one’s true self. London and an old flame have squashed the life out of a character. Another character lost himself several years earlier during a traumatic tour of duty. The open air of the countryside, the love of Bella and the opportunity to relax means personalities can heal and become who they were created to be.

Continue reading →

After The Rain by Rita Gerlach

May1

A Big Heart

After The Rain by Rita Gerlach is a Christian historical romance. Set in Washington and then moving to the countryside in 1908, it reminded me of Downton Abbey American style, as upstairs and downstairs mingle.

Louisa lives with her father and a very over-bearing grandmother who desires to be obeyed by everyone at all times. Her grandmother issues orders but never affection. She is a cold hearted bully. Louisa’s friend is her maid Millie. They have a wonderful relationship that stretches beyond the class divide.

Rita Gerlach portrays the differing classes within the novel and reveals a very snobbish attitude of the day. Louisa is rescued from a fall by Jackson, a farmer whom her grandmother looks down on. At first Louisa shares her grandmother’s prejudices but as soon as she gets to know Jackson, Louisa realises “The size of his bank account did not matter. What counted was the size of his heart.” This reminds the reader that God does not look at our outward appearances so much as our inner ones.

Within After The Rain is the theme of looking after the widows and orphans. Louisa goes with Millie to volunteer at a shelter for the poor. Here her eyes are opened to the suffering on the streets of Washington. Later Louisa will see a home for children born out of wedlock who are viewed as an embarrassment to their families and needed to be hidden away. Louisa realises that “all children should be loved and not looked at as inconveniences.” Through Louisa, the reader can glimpse the heart of God.

Continue reading →