Archive | February 2022

A Very Modern Marriage by Rachel Brimble

Feb10

True Riches

A Very Modern Marriage by Rachel Brimble is a compelling historical novel set in 1852. It is the third book in the Ladies Of Carson Street series but can be read as a stand-alone. This was my first visit to Carson Street.

The reader witnesses the powerful bond between the three women living in a house on Carson Street. The house is a safe place as the women look out for each other’s welfare. Each woman has been rescued from a life on the streets.

We see a character unable to forgive herself and her father. She escaped domestic abuse but blames herself. No one needs to berate her as she does it herself. She needs to learn to forgive the face in the mirror.

In complete contrast we see that she is also a strong woman wanting to lift herself out of poverty and learn business.

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Letters From The Lighthouse by Emma Carroll

Feb9

To Guide The Lost To Safety

Letters From The Lighthouse by Emma Carroll is a wonderful historical children’s novel for ages ten and over. I am considerably older and I really enjoyed it.

The action is set in 1941 beginning in London. Emma Carroll has perfectly captured the Blitz with her full descriptions. I ‘walked’ through the dangerous streets peppered with bombs and fire. The bulldog spirit was very much alive.

The reader follows the action to Devon where the children are evacuated to. Here the fresh air is in direct contrast to London.

Loose lips sink ships. The reader sees the need for secrecy as things are definitely going on behind closed doors.

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A Mother’s Secret by Caroline Finnerty

Feb9

Powerful, Emotional Read

A Mother’s Secret by Caroline Finnerty is a heart wrenching contemporary novel about family, love and loss. It totally consumed me. This is a very emotional read about a family that is ripped apart by loss and secrets. There are many questions but no answers as the family is suspended in limbo.

A couple are also shattered by events as what was once solid ground is shaken.

There is the whole debate about nature or nurture – what is it that makes you a parent?

We witness the strong love of a three year old for her family. Caroline Finnerty has perfectly captured her mannerisms and speech patterns. Her bubbly personality lodged in my heart.

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White Man’s Graveyard by Sarah Angleton

Feb8

Epic And All Consuming

White Man’s Graveyard by Sarah Angleton is an epic historical tale which has its roots in reality as it is based on an old diary of one of the author’s ancestors. It is a marvellous account of people in 1830’s America trying to make a difference as they realise that all lives matter.

Being set well before the American Civil War, America was divided on the issue of slavery – with freemen in the North and the abomination that is slavery in the South. “Slavery… is… the darkest stain of sin upon the soul of America… I stare into the face of this evil every day.”

An open-hearted young woman believes in education for all, “to offer hope to the sweet coloured children forced, even in their freedom, to grow and live in a world that viewed them as less than human rather than as precious children of God.”

The novel alternates its chapters between a brother and a sister. She focuses on the plight of the African Americans at home, whereas he travels to Liberia to bring his medical services and the Word of God to the indigenous people. Both face much opposition as well as encountering love.

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