Tag Archive | book review

Second Form At Malory Towers by Enid Blyton

Mar20

Of Lessons & High Jinx

Second Form At Malory Towers by Enid Blyton is a delightful children’s novel and just perfect for the over tens. It is the second book in the Malory Towers series but can be read as a stand-alone. I recommend reading the books in numerical order.

I first read the series fifty years ago in my childhood and when there were only six books in the series. Reading it again now, the story has lost none of its’ charm. I still picture myself as Darryl Rivers as I read!

This book was first written in 1947 and it has lost none of its’ original charm. There are elements that ‘age’ the book – high tea, dorms, etc – but the story has a timeless appeal to new audiences today.

Continue reading →

A Mother Always Knows by Diane Jeffrey

Mar19

Superb Psychological Suspense

A Mother Always Knows by Diane Jeffrey is a marvellous contemporary psychological crime suspense that hooked me in from the start.

The action is told through four alternating points of view and in two different time periods. This enables the reader to become totally invested in the characters. We care what happens to them.

All the characters were well drawn and were easy to empathise with. Diane Jeffrey has produced characters that are, on the whole, very likable – and those whom we don’t like, we were never meant to. Our responses were guided by the author’s pen.

Devon is the setting. Small villages should be safe but crime still happens, and people are powerless to stop it.

A particularly arrogant and despicable character is responsible for sexual crimes against two girls (that we hear of) within the tale. One is a physical assault, and the other is cyber-crime – even the police are unable to remove the indecent images. A character suffers for many months, and is only brought back from the brink by her loving family.

There is a mother’s dilemma – could her daughter be guilty of murder? And who could blame her if she was? The mother wrestles with her conscience and her desire to protect. There are questions she needs to ask – but doesn’t, for fear of the answers. I found it very easy to step into the mother’s shoes.

Continue reading →

Garden Cottage by Carrie Fancett Pagels

Mar19

His Eye Is On The Sparrow

Garden Cottage by Carrie Fancett Pagels is a most delightful contemporary Christian novel that I read in just one sitting.

As readers of the author’s books, we know that whenever we pick up a book by Carrie Fancett Pagels, we will be richly entertained. In this book, we return to Mackinac Island and meet some new faces in a familiar setting. Cameo appearances of characters from previous novels bring an air of familiarity and comfort to the reader as we feel like we are coming home.

The pace of life is slower. The two lead characters are the other side of fifty. Both have lost their spouses and have wandered in a wasteland. One preferred to withdraw from life. The other threw herself into volunteering. Friendship blossoms as they realise that life can be fulfilling once more. There are second chances to be grabbed.

Love blossoms for younger characters too.

We see the blending of the Italian and American cultures. The latter are smaller families, whereas the Italians tend to have large extended families.

Characters need to find careers and passions that are fulfilling but “Lord, don’t let my daughter prioritize her career over life with her future family.” There is more to life than work. We witness the detrimental effect that workaholics bring to the family.

Sometimes careers are born out of love and care. A sister wants to develop healing fragrances after her brother lost his sense of smell after Covid.

Working the land brings joy. Some produce food, others produce flowers. All are part of God’s creation.

Life is not always smooth but God is always faithful. “We’re not guaranteed a smooth sailing… like in life. But we can trust God to provide.”  We see that His eye is on His children as one narrowly escapes harm. We see God turn her disappointment into thankfulness for His care.

Continue reading →

The Shadow Twins by Fiona Holloway

Mar18

Wow! Just Wow!

The Shadow Twins by Fiona Holloway is a totally gripping psychological suspense that I could not put down.

We see the effects on three lives after a dreadful tragedy saw a young twin sister drown (before the book opened). The marriage has fallen apart as the mother and remaining twin sister move houses and schools for a fresh start. “Was this what she had wanted? A town where no one knew her name, where no one asked questions?”

What starts out as anonymity soon warps into notoriety as the lives of both mother and daughter begin to unravel.

The mother is eaten up with grief, sorrow and guilt. She is denying the need for help, whilst nursing a dreadful secret.

The remaining twin appears to be communicating with her dead sister – but is she? Or is it grief and denial talking?

A fresh start in a new school brings some shocking results. The mother doesn’t believe they need help – when they clearly do.

Continue reading →