Archive | January 2023

New Neighbours For Coronation Close by Lizzie Lane

Jan8

A Snapshot In Time

New Neighbours For Coronation Close by Lizzie Lane is a marvelous historical novel that I thoroughly enjoyed.

The book is set in Bristol in 1936 and provides a social commentary on the times. We see terrible slum conditions that some find themselves living in. This contrasts with the new council houses. There were waiting lists but once in your house, there were some surprising rules and regulations to follow. Drop-in inspections also happened.

We witness the camaraderie that slum living created. Bonds formed in adversity remained. People shared what little they had, with those who had even less.

Friendships grew up in the council estates but it seemed harder to make them as people didn’t live so closely together.

We see the historical context too with Edward VIII coming to the throne and having to choose duty or love. Oswald Mosely and his blackshirts began their reign of intimidation and terror. And Stanley Baldwin was Prime Minister – this always resonates with me as he was a son of Bewdley, where I live, and there is a lovely statue of him in the town and also a plaque on the house where he was born in High Street.

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I’ll Never Tell by Philippa East

Jan5

Wow – Engrossing!

I’ll Never Tell by Philippa East is a totally engrossing contemporary psychological thriller that grabbed me from the start.

The tale is cleverly constructed as we hear two different distinct voices and there are two alternating time periods as we move backwards and forwards in time.

We follow a rather rich suburban family with a gifted daughter. On the surface they have it all together but underneath, cracks are appearing. Stiff upper lips begin to wobble. Once the cracks appear, the dam is in danger of bursting.

There is the theme of trust. We should be able to trust our nearest and dearest but everyone seems to be holding onto secrets. Secrets imprison lives in grand isolation.

We see the damage that parental pressure exerts on a young life. Living life under a magnifying glass is sure to take its toll. Perfection comes at a cost that is just too high to pay. Sometimes we need to just sit back and let our children take the driving seat of their lives. If they crash, we need to be there to pick up the pieces.

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Death Comes To Marlow by Robert Thorogood

Jan5

Uniquely Blended Together

Death Comes To Marlow by Robert Thorogood is a marvelous contemporary cosy crime drama which I thoroughly enjoyed. It is the second book in the Marlow Murder Club series but can be read as a stand-alone. I recommend reading book one first for maximum enjoyment.

I thoroughly enjoyed meeting up with the amateur super sleuthing ladies and the female detective. Once more the friends function like Miss Marple times three and Midsomer Murders, as they set about solving what they believe to be a murder.

Each of the ladies have unique talents and all work beautifully together as they complement each other.

The friends have each other’s backs. When one friend starts behaving out of character, the other two notice immediately and are determined to help.

Marlow is reminiscent of Midsomer. It is the quintessential English village with its manor house, quaint cottages and an eclectic mix of eccentric characters. It would make a fabulous early evening cosy crime television drama.

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A Winter At The White Queen by Denise Weimer

Jan3

Delightful

A Winter At The White Queen by Denise Weimer is a delightful Christian historical novel that I could not put down and read it in just one sitting.

Denise Weimer has created a wonderful set of characters. There were some delightful verbal exchanges between the two lead characters. There is also a charming young girl with whom I fell in love with. A beautiful bond was formed between those who loved the young girl as she was the centre of their world. It is always beautiful to see adults treating children with love and care, recognizing, that though small, they still have abilities to contribute to society. It reminded me of the biblical passage where we are told not to look down on the young (1 Timothy 4: 12).

The action is set in 1910 as the world is teetering on the modern era. Characters bond over new inventions.

There are those who value status above all else. They contrast with those who value people for just who they are, not for what they can do to advance others.

Amateur powers of deduction are used, producing some amusing results at times.

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