Archives

Escape To The Swiss Chalet by Carrie Walker

Nov11

Absolutely Charming

Escape To The Swiss Chalet by Carrie Walker is an absolutely charming debut novel that warmed my heart and left me smiling.

Much of the novel is set in the Swiss Alps. The warmth of the characters is inversely proportional to the coldness of the landscape, as we join the characters in the winter season.

The reader’s taste buds are tempted by the delights coming out of the kitchen. We follow the chef and the sous chef/sommelier as they serve delicacies from the chalet’s restaurant.

New friendships form after old one’s crumble. Grey Britain in August contrasts sharply with the white snow of the Alps in winter.

All the characters are delightfully drawn, likable and realistic. Their interactions are a joy to behold. Their dialogue bounces along and the asides are witty. A character is full of life, even when life gets her down. “You find joy in every moment.”

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Santa’s Early Christmas by Lily Lawson

Nov5

Delightful

Santa’s Early Christmas by Lily Lawson is a delightful book for the under sevens. It is perfect to read to young children or for early readers to read themselves.

The main body of the book has rhyming couplets to accompany each illustration. These enable the poem to bounce along in a rhythm. After your children have heard it a few times, they will soon be joining in.

At the end of the book are a few longer poems. All equally delightful.

The whole book is simply illustrated by Gustyawan. Each page can be a starting point for a discussion with our children as we see all the traditional food associated with Christmas.

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New York Miracle by Margo Laurie

Nov5

So Delightful

New York Miracle by Margo Laurie is such a delightful timeslip novel that warmed my heart and made me smile.

The reader travels to New York in present day and 1936. We are treated to a winter wonderland with skating in Central Park, the lights and sounds of the festive season in both time periods.

We see that true love never dies no matter how much a family may try to thwart it.

The theatre in 1936 was a sight to behold. It was a decadent era. Margo Laurie has perfectly captured the atmosphere and the razzamatazz.

Staying in a convent in present day, a character finds little has changed over the years as she connects with the past in a surprising way.

All the characters were well drawn, likable and very charming.

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Christmas Memories At Waterside Cottage by K T Dady

Nov3

Enchanting

Christmas Memories At Waterside Cottage by K T Dady is the most beautiful contemporary novel that I just could not put down. It is set in December on the Isle Of Wight and really is Christmas in a book.

Festive scenes evoke memories of childhood Christmases with snow, snowmen and love.

Family is important. Family is those who love us no matter what. Family stick by us. The warmth and love of a family reach beyond the book to envelop the reader.

With recent memories just out of reach, a character has to recreate Christmases past in the hope that his wife will remember not only who he is but why they fell in love. The reader is enchanted by magical Christmas tree farms and festive gingerbread drinks.

There is one who tries to take advantage of a lack of memory, as a character tries to poison a relationship with wicked lies due to jealousy.

All the characters were delightfully drawn, warm and realistic. I adored them all with their love and care.

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