Tag Archive | Amanda James

The Garden Of Memories by Amanda James

Stepping Out Of Your Box

The Garden Of Memories by Amanda James is the most beautiful contemporary novel that I adored and never wanted to end.

The novel is about life and how to bloom just where you are planted. You are never too old to have a fresh beginning as you are transplanted from one stage of life to another.

As the title suggests, taking centre stage is the garden of memories. It starts as an ordinary garden but soon becomes the lifeline for so many in the village.

The smell of certain flowers and plants evokes special memories – memories that will not pass this way again but can be forever preserved in the garden of memories and enjoyed again and again.

We see that for some, the look and smell of flowers really is a lifeline, opening the door to the past. This is true of a grandmother, Lily, who has dementia. The smell of the flowers, and sweetpeas in particular, unlocks her mind, enabling her family to get a glimpse of the woman they all knew.

All the characters are well drawn and believable. They are an eclectic mix, many seeking their own identity.

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The Midnight Bookshop by Amanda James

An Imagination’s Delight

The Midnight Bookshop by Amanda James is the most delightful novel that will fire up your imagination.

This is a tale about three people and their new-found love of reading. “It doesn’t matter how much you read… as long as you attempt it.” Books are the doorway to brave new worlds. They offer possibilities and show you a new way of living. The Midnight Bookshop “is built on the imagination, mystery and magic.” As the reader sinks between its’ pages, we ‘feel’ the power of the story.

The leading three characters are all floundering. Life has not been kind to any of them. They all face different challenges.

A twenty-one-year-old has everything that money can buy but money cannot buy love. “I didn’t want their money… I wanted their love.” Everyone desires to be loved.

In contrast an eighteen-year-old is living in poverty and declares, “I feel trapped.” Caught between an ailing mother and a drug dealing older brother, his life is going nowhere and he cannot see a way out.

And finally, we have a young woman who has been trapped in an abusive marriage for ten years. “He wanted her to feel unattractive, worthless… a woman with no confidence is easier to control.” Day upon day, her husband has put her down, either with his words or with his fists. “She felt she was a non-person.” She feels invisible.

A flyer for the Midnight Bookshop brings the three to its’ doors. Each one finally finds a place of refuge from the world. “It’s as if she’s come home. A sense of belonging.”

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The Secret Keeper by Amanda James

Righting Wrongs And Healing Wounds

The Secret Keeper by Amanda James is a wonderful contemporary romantic mystery which I loved.

Set mainly in Tintagel, the scenery comes alive with Amanda James vivid descriptions. The reader ‘walks’ through the action, fully involved rather than a passive participant.

Cornwall is a place ‘of mystery and magic.” The reader ‘experiences’ this air of mystery as they become immersed in the novel.

Skipton is another setting. As I am familiar with ‘the gateway to the dales,’ it was wonderful to ‘see’ the town.

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The Forgotten Beach by Amanda James

Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow

The Forgotten Beach by Amanda James is the most delightful contemporary novel that I just could not put down. It totally warmed my heart.

The novel is set in Cornwall – a landscape of artists, rugged cliffs and crumbling houses. It is a romantic backdrop with wild weather, smugglers caves and hidden coves. It is an area that begs to be explored.

Parallel to the elements is an old family house. It has been forgotten and neglected and is in need of renovation.

Likewise, there are characters who need bringing back to life after being dealt blows. As the house becomes more habitable, lives begin to live again.

An old photograph and a poem hint of an old legend and artefacts to be found. Romance is in the air. Tragedy has struck in the past but we are not destined to repeat the past – or are we? Love has travelled down the years, remaining to touch the next generation.

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