Archive | December 2021

Smouldering Fire by D.E.Stevenson

Dec14

Wow! Jaw Dropping!

Smouldering Fire by D E Stevenson is a compelling tale that will appeal to many of the reader’s emotions.

Written in 1935 it was a contemporary tale of its day but to the modern reader, it captures a moment in time where there are very different values compared with today.

The action is set in a village in Scotland with an ancient crumbling house at the centre. Needing maintenance but being unable to afford it, the owner rents the house to a couple from London. They play at being Lord and Lady of the manor.

There are a wonderful set of eclectic characters, each very unique. Some come with pretensions, others with fears and many with kind hearts. One of my favourite scenes was Mary Smith visiting her old friend where she displayed her kind nature.

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The Journals Of Clarence R Smyth by Bronwyn J Taylor

Dec11

Fascinating And Comprehensive

The Journals Of Clarence R Smyth by Bronwyn J Taylor continues the story begun in The Diaries Of A Gifted Edwardian Boy, and covers the years from 1920 – 1960’s. It is a work of fiction but includes true life figures, with the result, that the reader wonders, could this be true? Certainly, the first book was based on the true-life book, The Boy Who Saw True which I read back in the 1990’s and which made an impact that has stayed with me.

World War II is covered in detail which appealed to the historian in me.

This is a cosmopolitan read as we travel from mainland Europe to America and to England. During the war mainland Europe was in turmoil with only Switzerland being neutral and a safe haven.

The story is told via Clarence Smyth’s writings, therefore we only have his interpretation of events. The older he gets, the more he realizes he has a choice to make – to believe in God or not?

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The Post Box At The North Pole by Jaimie Admans

Dec10

Believe Again

The Post Box At The North Pole by Jaimie Admans is the most heart-warming and delightful contemporary Christmas offering. It will fill your heart with love and leave you smiling.

Christmas is a time to believe and to ignite childhood traditions and memories. It is a time to blur the lines between reality and imagination.

A life going nowhere in a grey and damp Britain is injected with light and life after an unexpected family crisis sees a character on route to Norway where clean air and Santa’s village re-invigorate.

For both the character and the reader Christmases past are evoked. For just a few hours we can immerse ourselves in the magic of Christmas – with reindeer, candy canes and of course, Santa.

Characters whose lives have been scarred and on hold for years learn what it is to begin to live and trust and love again. Priorities are ordered as we learn that to love others and for them to love us is the most important.

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The Diaries Of A Gifted Edwardian Boy by Bronwyn J Taylor

Dec9

A Comprehensive Account

The Diaries Of A Gifted Edwardian Boy by Bronwyn J Taylor is a historical novel about a young boy with psychic abilities. This book is based on the much older book called The Boy Who Saw True which I actually read back in the 1990’s.

The novel takes place from 1906 when Clarence was just six years old to 1919. It is written in a series of diary entries and letters. It is well thought out and put together.

We witness the inner workings of Clarence’s mind as he is first educated at home and then at boarding school. He is viewed with caution by some and as a kindred spirit by others. His prophecies are not always believed. As a boy, he encounters many challenges along the way which need to be overcome.

As the dates suggest, the First World War years are covered by the book. Clarence’s experience is very unique.

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