Tag Archive | Boldwood Books

New Recruits At Goodwill House by Fenella J Miller

Apr9

Stepping Up

New Recruits At Goodwill House by Fenella J Miller is a marvellous historical novel and the second book in the Goodwill House series. It can be read as a stand-alone. I, however, loved meeting up with familiar faces.

The action is set during 1940 and covers familiar events such as the evacuation of Dunkirk. The reader witnesses the willingness of all to drop whatever they are doing and welcome the returning men with food, drink, blankets and a warm smile.

World War II gives women the opportunity to show just what they are capable of. Traditional roles are abandoned as women step up into the previously occupied men’s shoes. The women are resilient, proving they are more than just trinkets.

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A Year Of Mr Maybes by Judy Leigh

Apr6

Celebrating The Simple Things

A Year Of Mr Maybes by Judy Leigh is the most delightful contemporary novel about living your life to the full whatever your age.

It was so refreshing to have the leading characters in their seventies and eighties. Traditionally, people think of slowing down as they get older – but not this wonderful bunch of people. Life is for living. And life is for living now.

We get out of life what we put in. Within the novel we meet some very high energy characters who come together to make their village a better, cleaner, greener place. They are very community minded – needs are identified and met. New faces are made welcome.

The characters bounce off each other as friendships are formed. They bring out the best in each other – whether in their 20’s or 80’s. I loved the wise young man of twenty five with autism who dispensed wisdom to seventy year olds. We are never too old to learn lessons from the young.

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The Runaway Children by Lindsey Hutchinson

Feb11

Of Kind Hearts And Angels

The Runaway Children by Lindsey Hutchinson is a late Victorian novel set in the heart of the Black Country (where all my ancestors come from).

Here, we meet people who are the salt of the earth. People do not have much but what they do have, they share with those who have nothing. Kind hearts and open hands abound as we see that the richest people are those who know how to love.

In contrast, a character with wealth is cruel and tight-fisted, intent on causing trouble and strife wherever she goes.

Family is important. Family are those who love us. We see a new family unit created by those who have nothing uniting together.

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A Mother’s Secret by Caroline Finnerty

Feb9

Powerful, Emotional Read

A Mother’s Secret by Caroline Finnerty is a heart wrenching contemporary novel about family, love and loss. It totally consumed me. This is a very emotional read about a family that is ripped apart by loss and secrets. There are many questions but no answers as the family is suspended in limbo.

A couple are also shattered by events as what was once solid ground is shaken.

There is the whole debate about nature or nurture – what is it that makes you a parent?

We witness the strong love of a three year old for her family. Caroline Finnerty has perfectly captured her mannerisms and speech patterns. Her bubbly personality lodged in my heart.

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