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The Wartime Book Club by Kate Thompson

Jan2

A Golden Thread

The Wartime Book Club by Kate Thompson is a powerful historical novel that totally consumed me and I read in just one sitting.

The novel is based on a true story of friendship, courage and resistance in times of war. It is set in Nazi occupied Jersey during World War II.

Books were important to the islanders. They provided an escape for minds though their bodies were in captivity. Librarian Grace cared for the books, hiding the banned books away. She brought books to the islanders and set up the wartime book club. “The library… represented safety and security, a sense of order that the world outside could… never offer.”

The book club united those from all different walks of life. The people bandied together receiving a collective hope that the books provided.

There was much bravery. “Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that something else is more important than fear.” Brave souls did what they could to save others as there were also those who would denounce their neighbours for a few reichsmarks. “War… was the greatest killer of trust.”

Love blossoms in times of war. We witness a love that binds. Also, a love between friends that gives each a hope, a hope needed to survive. “Hope was a powerful thing… and… she had to coat herself in, like armour.” Without hope the people perish.

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Miracle On 34th Street by Valentine Davies

Dec31

Positively Delightful

Miracle On 34th Street by Valentine Davies is an absolutely delightful Christmas book that I adored.

The book is based on the 1947 film of the same name. It is a totally charming novel, beautifully written and one that evokes the true meaning of Christmas. “Underneath all the hurry and bustle people still believe in Santa Claus and all Christmas stands for.”

Even today with all the new technology, Miracle On 34th Street still has relevance. This is a timeless classic and one that I intend to read annually as part of my Christmas traditions going forward.

I love the 1947 movie. As I read through the book it was easy to picture all the characters.

This is a book to be read, savored and kept. It has a timeless appeal that will include all the generations.

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At Home In A Book by Lauren O’Hara

Dec23

A Pure Delight Whatever Your Age

At Home In A Book by Lauren O’Hara is the most delightful book suitable for anyone with a love of reading, an active imagination and who likes to escape into a book.

This is a unique book that takes several novels and illustrates the dwelling places – from houses to ships to submarines. It is a pure delight for the imagination.

Some of the books covered include Little Women, Alice In Wonderland, Peter Pan, Anne of Green Gables, A Little Princess and more.

Each chapter gives a short synopsis of the book, has a passage from it, writes about the lead characters and has a double page spread of the dwelling plus illustrations of key items within the story. It is a real treat to truly lose yourself in a book.

Within each picture there is the invite for the reader to step inside their imagination as we ‘wander’ through the dwelling. Each one has so much detail. I think that each time we re-visit the book, we will notice something different.

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A Christmas In Prague by Helga Jensen

Dec21

Wrapped In A Nostalgic Christmas

A Christmas In Prague by Helga Jensen is the most beautiful contemporary festive novel that I absolutely adored.

What is Christmas without snow? Helga Jensen takes the reader from rainy Wales to snow-covered Prague. Her delightful descriptions help the reader to ‘experience’ Christmas in Prague. It is a romantic destination with hot chocolate, a Christmas market and a fairytale castle. It is truly a magical place.

A character has been dreadfully hurt two Christmases ago. She has shut out Christmas but Prague is a place of healing and restoration as love and kindness thaw her heart and bring it back to life.

We ‘hear’ of a great love that was cut short. As the decades old letters are opened and read, we realise that true love never dies. It infects all those who are around as it comes full circle.

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