Archive | August 2025

By Any Other Name by Jodi Picoult

Aug4

There Was Once A Girl

By Any Other Name by Jodi Picoult is a marvellous dual timeline novel that I really enjoyed. It has its’ roots in fact and will educate you as you read.

There are actual historical figures including Christopher Marlowe and William Shakespeare. The leading lady in the sixteenth century is Emilia Bassano who we know actually existed. Jodi Picoult’s notes at the end of the book are fascinating. Emilia Bassano is the focus of the novel and has links to present day author Melina who is researching her as she is her ancestor.

There are many parallels between the two women as they are both seeking to write, and both are marginalised in favour of men.

Jodi Picoult has created a fascinating tale around the subject of invisible women. “There was a girl who became invisible so that her words might not be.” Women, it seemed, were invisible in all sorts of walks of life. As they aged, they were passed by.

Writing about Alice Arden who murdered her husband Thomas, Emilia Bassano says: “For a woman to have status, she must be married. Yet a married woman loses everything – her name, her body, her property, her money. It all belongs to her husband. A widow… is given back all that rightfully belongs to her… It is a wonder there aren’t more husbands murdered.” It is very sad to see women “sidelined because of gender.”

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The Last Laugh Club by Kate Galley

Aug2

A Final Request

The Last Laugh Club by Kate Galley is a charming contemporary novel that I loved and read in just one sitting.

The leading characters are all over seventy and prove that you are never too old to have a new adventure or experience, or to learn new skills.

Three former work colleagues find themselves heading to Shetland to fulfil the final wish of their former boss and friend, as they scatter his ashes in a place he always wanted to visit. An old photograph gives clues as to why.

As the three journey together, old feeling emerge. They all have feelings of guilt from one dreadful day years ago, and have avoided each other ever since. Close proximity forces them to confront what needs to be laid to rest.

Shetland is a wild and rugged landscape, more so in winter. The landscape comes alive under the author’s descriptive pen.

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Deadly Revenge by Patricia Bradley

Aug1

Totally Gripping

Deadly Revenge by Patricia Bradley is a compelling, contemporary Christian crime suspense which I loved. It is the third book in the Pearl River series but can be read as a stand-alone. I recommend reading the books in order for character familiarity and progression.

Once more the reader returns to Pearl River to watch the pursuit of justice. There is a different pair of main characters to focus on.

As the title suggests, there are those seeking revenge, many years after the original event.

We see the damage done to a community by unscrupulous politicians many years before. Someone wants them to pay – but who?

The leading lady is a police officer who has recently suffered from PTSD. This leaves her questioning her judgement as others mess with her mind. She is far wiser than she believes.

Old colleagues are reunited due to their jobs. The spark that was there before is just waiting to be re-ignited – if only they will take a chance.

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Fatal Witness by Patricia Bradley

Aug1

Exciting

Fatal Witness by Patricia Bradley is a fabulous Christian contemporary crime novel that entertained me from the start. It is the second book in the Pearl River series but can be read as a stand-alone. I recommend reading the books in order for maximum enjoyment.

I thoroughly enjoyed my return visit to Pearl River and meeting up with familiar faces. Fatal Witness had a different main character who interacted with those whom we had met in book one.

We see the love and care that surrounds the characters. The police department functions as part of the Pearl River family. The officers are relentless in their pursuit of justice.

A cold case is the main focus – just who did kill Dani’s parents twenty-five years ago? And why is the killer back and active again?

As a nine-year-old, Dani saw her parents’ killer but it has been locked away in her mind. The intervening years have seen her with a new home and a name change. A chance photo in a magazine sees the grown-up Dani recognised by her maternal grandmother.

We see the importance of trusting God who can give us a peace despite our external circumstances. “How do you get that peace?” Peace comes by knowing God; trusting God; and leaning on God.

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