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The Child Who Lived by Ellie Midwood

Aug16

An Indomitable Spirit

The Child Who Lived by Ellie Midwood is a powerful historical novel that I just could not put down, and devoured it in just one sitting.

The book is the true story of a young women with an indomitable spirit, who against all the odds, fell in love and had a baby in Mauthausen. This is a baby and mother who both should not have lived. This is the mother’s story.

All the action is set during World War II in various concentration camps. All of them, absolutely horrendous – but despite this, a character has maintained a kind heart. “A rebel with a moral compass always pointing in the right direction in spite of the circumstances.”

To give in to circumstances would be to perish. One had to hold on to hope and believe that one day the end would come. “We ought to stick it out to the end just to annoy them with being alive.”

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The Widows Wine Club by Julia Jarman

Aug14

All For One

The Widow’s Wine Club by Julia Jarman is a delightful contemporary novel which I really enjoyed.

The novel follows three widows who meet as they are choosing their husband’s caskets. We see their journey through grief as they learn to live again.

Sometimes there are shocking discoveries made after death, which raise all kinds of emotions.

The three women band together offering love, support and encouragement as they journey through life.

There are the perils of online dating as one has to wade through the sludge in order to find the jewel.

All the characters were well drawn and realistic.

The Widow’s Wine Club was a charming light-hearted read that was amusing too – with some classic one-liners- “Janet hadn’t a clue how the non-rich lived.” I can highly recommend this book and will leave you with my favourite quote:

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Foul Play At Seal Bay by Judy Leigh

Aug13

Amateur Sleuthing At Its’ Finest

Foul Play At Seal Bay by Judy Leigh is a contemporary light-hearted crime novel that I really enjoyed. It is the first book in A Morwenna Mutton Mystery series which promises to be fabulous. I cannot wait for the subsequent books.

Judy Leigh has once more created an eclectic mix of characters who entertain the reader. The leading lady is sixty one and her mother is eighty. Both are a breath of fresh air with their energy, enthusiasm and unconventional ways. They refuse to be put in a box marked ‘old’. Both are bundles of energy. Growing old does not equal being staid.

On the opposite end of the spectrum is a delightful six year old girl, whose mannerisms have been perfectly captured by Judy Leigh. I loved her soft-toy doggy companions named Oggy 1 and Oggy 2 who had to accompany her wherever she went. Her innocence and zest for life were a pure delight.

After a crime is committed, Morwenna Mutton figuratively puts on her amateur sleuthing hat. She believes, and proves, herself to be far more competent at crime solving than the local bobby.

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Saving The Good News Gazette by Jessie Wells

Aug6

Most Charming

Saving The Good News Gazette by Jessie Wells is a most charming contemporary novel that made me smile. It is the second book in The Good News Gazette series but can be read as a stand-alone.

This is a book about community and big, generous hearts. The Good News Gazette exists to bring good news. Zoe, its editor, is the voice of the novel as it is written in the first person.

Zoe is community minded, spearheading the campaign to save the old cinema. She is also forward thinking and has innovative ideas that help transform the lives of those around her. She could, figuratively speaking, beat with the stick but she chooses the carrot instead, to help transform hearts.

Zoe is also a single mum, juggling many pies but remains cheerful and giving.

The tone of the novel is fun and light-hearted. It is absolutely hilarious at times. I just laughed out loud – especially in the scenes at the party with the nautical theme. I cannot ‘unsee’ the pictures that I conjured up in my head!

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