Tag Archive | Net Galley

The House For Lost Children by Marty Wingate

Sep16

Belonging

The House For Lost Children by Marty Wingate is a powerful historical novel that I enjoyed.

The novel is set during World War II in a large manor house in Suffolk. Following a bomb blast in London, children have been made homeless and are orphans. The kind hearted Lady Louisa Brightman opens her large house to the orphans and their two teachers.

Relationships are strained at first as assumptions and prejudices are made. Characters need to get to know each other in order to be able to work together. First impressions are not always correct. The way that life has treated people affects the way they treat others.

We witness the dreadful effects on one small girl, six-year-old Gracie, of being buried alive for two days, holding onto her dead mother’s hand. This was during the air raid that flattened her London home. She needs love, care and kindness to begin to heal. A beautiful bond is formed with Miss Moffet, the family cat. Giving her a purpose and something to love will help her heal.

Life in the countryside is not without risk as the odd stray German plane threatens to undo months of love and care as old traumas are re-visited.

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The Life She Could Have Lived by Laura Pearson

Sep12

A Sliding Doors Moment

The Life She Could Have Lived by Laura Pearson is a most delightful offering. It is set over a number of years as we follow the life of lead character Anna.

This is a sliding doors novel as we alternate chapters between ‘yes’ and ‘no’ to the question of having a baby. We see the difference that one decision can have to the rest of a life.

Along both paths, there are similarities and differences as Anna meets the same characters but at different points in her life. Different choices produce different outcomes.

In ‘yes,’ was see Anna balancing motherhood and her job. In ‘no’ we see her job taking her further afield before returning home. Which lifestyle do you think is most suited to Anna? You must read the book and decide.

We see the value of a good friendship. It is a friendship that supports through thick and thin, in good times and bad.

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Our Beautiful Mess by Adele Parks

Sep4

Slaying Dragons

Our Beautiful Mess by Adele Parks is a marvellous contemporary suspense that gripped me from the start.

The novel opens with the ending before going backwards eleven days, and then working forwards. The reader knows what is coming and wonders what led up to that point, and how it is all going to end?

I thought the actual ending was superb – it came out of the blue and was serenely beautiful as the love radiated from the pages.

All the characters were well drawn and believable. We see the action through several alternating points of view enabling the reader to get to know the characters intimately.

This is a book about family. Family can be messy and complicated – but family is ultimately about love.

Life is tiring when children are small – but so much harder as they grow. Parents have to give their children wings to fly. “It was up to them to fall and flounder or fly and flourish. She was powerless… all they [parents] could do was stand back and trust that they’d given their kids enough guidance, resilience and basic common sense to get through.” We see that however old our children are, a mother will fiercely protect her offspring. “Her focus was on protecting Fran.”

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Once Upon A Christmas Carol by Melody Carlson

Aug25

Coming Home

Once Upon A Christmas Carol by Melody Carlson is a most charming contemporary Christian Christmas book that warms your heart and leaves you smiling.

I always look forward to the annual festive offering from Melody Carlson. She knows how to perfectly capture the festive season within a book.

Once Upon A Christmas Carol is about learning to love Christmas. It is a bout discovering family and love. It is letting go of the past and embracing the present whilst looking forward to the future.

Families can be complicated affairs. There are always two sides to one story, and one must discern where the truth lies.

Two sisters have been estranged. Trapped by snow, from holidaying in Bahamas, the leading lady discovers, and receives hospitality from, an aunt she never knew. She also has a change of heart on her views about Christmas. The leading lady, along with the reader, discovers new traditions and experiences a snowy Christmas with those she loves. The festivities of a nostalgic Christmas include snow; festive fayre; and annual traditions. The spirit of generosity is very much alive.

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