Tag Archive | Harper Collins

Sands Of Time by Barbara Erskine

Aug6

A Marvellous Collection

Sands Of Time by Barbara Erskine is a marvellous collection of short stories that will entertain the reader.

The first and last stories are longer, both following on from the end of Whispers In The Sand. Here, the reader learns what happened next for Louisa in Victorian times and Anna in present day.

All the stories have unexplainable elements to them that enchant the reader and fire up the imagination. I did have a favourite – Barney –  it was totally charming. See which one you like best.

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Whispers In The Sand by Barbara Erskine

Aug6

To Break Free

Whispers In The Sand by Barbara Erskine is an exciting dual timeline novel set in 1866 and present day, with echoes back to the dawn of time.

This is the third time I have read the book since its publication. Each time it has thrilled, excited and entertained me.

In both 1866 and present day strong-minded females from the same heritage, journey to Egypt and complete almost identical routes as they sail down the Nile, stopping off at various destinations. An original diary and an ancient artefact accompany Anna in present day as she sets out to replicate her ancestor Louisa’s trip.

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One Lucky Summer by Jenny Oliver

Aug5

Never Too Old

One Lucky Summer by Jenny Oliver is a powerful contemporary novel about overcoming the past.

Childhood friends meet again after many years. As they explore old haunts, the past memories come flooding back. Some have been imprisoned by the past. They need to face it, deal with it and move forwards into the future.

We witness that fears we had as children will remain as we grow older unless we change our outlook or our behaviour. We see a character afraid to love and who therefore keeps others at arm’s length.

Actions of parents impact their children for life. There was an event in childhood which looms large in the lives of three adults even now.

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The House Of Whispers by Anna Kent

Aug5

Compulsive, Consuming And Creepy

The House Of Whispers by Anna Kent is a completely compelling contemporary read that totally consumed me as I read.

It is a story of a magnificent obsession. It is an obsession that despite its toxicity is impossible to let go of.

There is a friendship that seems very one-sided but also completely unbreakable.

Family is important but even family is unable to prevent a character on a course to self-destruct.

The novel is mainly written in the first person from the point of view of the lead character. Interspersed throughout are transcripts of a police interview – the reader is intrigued as we try to work out what has happened.

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