Tag Archive | book review

The Secret Sewing Society by Siobhan Curham

Jan26

Needles Of Freedom

The Secret Sewing Society by Siobhan Curham is a powerful dual timeline novel set in Lviv, Ukraine.

The action is set during World War II and 2022. Both periods see Ukraine being invaded by the Russians (and also the Nazis in World War II). Fresh in the memories of the people is the Holodomor of the 1920’s when the Soviets caused a man-made famine in Ukraine. People had a strong spirit and the secret sewing society was born. “We stitch what they try to silence.” Messages of hope are sewn into clothes.

The two time periods are linked by strong females in the same family tree. In 2022 the leading lady travels from the UK to Ukraine after her mother leaves her a property that she did not know about. Whilst in Lviv the Russians invade. The leading lady decides to stay as the building slowly gives up its’ secrets.

The leading ladies in both time periods are gutsy as they stay to face their oppressors. Their stories are similar but different.

Not all Soviets are cruel. Love blossoms where it will, even when it is forbidden.

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Five & The Smuggler’s Code by Chris Smith

Jan25

Solving The Code

Five & The Smuggler’s Code by Chris Smith is a marvellous contemporary children’s adventure that is perfect for the over eights. Whatever your age, if you remember the original famous five, this book will entertain you. It is the second book in the New Famous Five series. This book can be read as a stand-alone but I recommend reading the books in numerical order as the first book sets the scene.

As with the previous book, this one is simply and effectively illustrated by James Lancett.

All the characters were well drawn. The reader meets up with the three new children and their dog, as well as grandad Dick, great aunt Anne and Professor George – all part of the original famous five.

As the children set about solving a new crime, it is seamlessly woven into a crime from fifty-four years ago.

The locations spring to life. I recognised the setting of the Mermaid Inn at Rye as I visited there as a child, more than fifty-five years ago.

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Five & The Forgotten Treasure by Chris Smith

Jan25

A Fabulous New Series

Five & The Forgotten Treasure by Chris Smith is a marvellous children’s book and just perfect for eight years and older. It is the first book in a brand-new series called The New Famous Five which promises to be fabulous.

I grew up on Enid Blyton’s original Famous Five books so I was excited to read this new version. Of the original famous five, we meet George who is now a professor. Just like her father.

The book is set fifty-five-years after the original. We meet three new children and their dog who go to stay with George. She is the cousin of their grandpa Dick who was in the original series.

A new adventure awaits but it is linked to an old one, fifty-five-years ago. Blending old and new, Chris Smith has created the perfect tale for old and new readers alike.

There is a feeling of familiarity to the book as locations, as well as characters, are familiar. There are picnics and lashings of ginger beer – a nod to the originals.

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The Invisible Thread by Sue Lamoree

Jan25

Entertaining & Thought Provoking

The Invisible Thread by Sue Lamoree is a beautiful contemporary children’s novel and just perfect for the over tens. It has a powerful message of forgiveness at its’ heart.

Following a dreadful accident, a family is fractured when a young boy ends up wheelchair bound. There are feelings of both guilt and anger within the family, as it falls apart. What the family really need is love and forgiveness. They need to celebrate what they do have, instead of mourning what they don’t.

We witness how life has changed for the young boy. He misses his past life. “He’d been so angry with Dad over the past year that he’d forgotten how much fun their adventures used to be.” Anger has eaten away at him. His eyes need opening to the new world of possibilities around him. This includes new friends and hobbies, such as competitive horse riding for the disabled.

A spirit from heaven, whom only children can see, falls to earth for a special mission. Her ethereal presence wafts through the tale, spreading peace and love. She reveals the heart of God the Father: “He’s got millions of children, but I always feel like I’m special to Him… He says I am.”

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