Tag Archive | Rachels Random Resources

The Paris Dancer by Nicola Rayner

Across The Years

The Paris Dancer by Nicola Rayner is a fabulous dual timeline novel that I really enjoyed.

The action is set in Paris during World War II and in New York City in 2012. We hear the war years through the voice of a young girl and in the first person. In 2012 the action is seen through a great niece clearing out her great aunt’s apartment. It is in the third person. The chapters alternate. We hear the great aunt’s experiences through a notebook.

The novel is about loss. “The grief… feels as if it could drown her.” With loss comes guilt. Both lead characters are consumed. They need to learn to forgive themselves. “What if I don’t deserve to be forgiven?” Everyone deserves forgiveness. “We’re always toughest on ourselves… It’s easier to be nice to other people.” We need to extend grace to ourselves as well as others.

Some friendships bring out the best in each other. “My friendship… made me believe anything was possible.” Some people just spread joy wherever they go. “If you want to change the world… just make it a little more beautiful.”

Continue reading

The Old Girls’ Chateau Escape by Kate Galley

Life Is For Living

The Old Girls’ Chateau Escape by Kate Galley is a light-hearted contemporary novel that I enjoyed. It is part of the Old Girls series but can be read as a stand-alone.

With lead characters in their seventies and eighties, we see that life is for living whatever your age. Life is an adventure to be grabbed with both hands.

As we move across the water from the shores of England to France, we experience not only a change of weather, but a change of atmosphere too. The region around Aix is warm and sunny in comparison with the grey skies of Britain.

The atmosphere is fun and light-hearted as we join characters with a decades old secret and also a modern-day crime to be solved. Juxta-posing these two scenarios certainly keeps the reader entertained.

Continue reading

The Storyteller’s Daughter by Victoria Scott

Secrets, Families, Ambitions

The Storyteller’s Daughter by Victoria Scott is a beautiful dual timeline novel that I loved.

The action is set in 1941 and 2008. The periods are united by a family house and woodland as we follow a young woman in 2008 and her aunt in 1941.

Both main characters are similar in personality and circumstances. Both have been pressured by their families, having their personal lives squashed.

In 1941 Nita was expected to marry the man her parents chose for her – but Nita had a strong personality and would not be hemmed in by tradition and circumstances.

In 2008 Beth has always done what her parents wanted and has worked in the family firm. It was never her dream and now she decides to branch out on her own, having been re-united with her aunt on her death bed.

The ambitions of both young women was to be journalists. Now seems the ideal time to pursue these dreams.

Secrets are buried deep in the past. A death bed cryptic clue sends Beth delving into her aunt’s wartime activities – it is amazing what she uncovers.

Continue reading

Widows Waive The Rules by Julia Jarman

All For One

Widows Waive The Rules by Julia Jarman is a wonderful contemporary novel that I absolutely loved. The book is part of The Widows Wine Club series but can be read as a stand-alone. I enjoyed meeting up with familiar faces.

Once more the widows are off on an adventure, travelling from Britain to New York on the Queen Mary II, arriving in time for Christmas. With comprehensive descriptions from the author, we share the experience of life on board the Queen Mary II – from staterooms to ballrooms, pubs, restaurants and on-board entertainment, there is something for everyone.

Planning for the trip began in the summer sunshine as the friends wanted to bring some life back into their recently widowed for the second time friend. “Grief doesn’t make you immune to grief. It piles it on, so you start to think life isn’t worth living.” Depression has robbed their friend of life as each day she is merely going through the motions.

Everyone needs good friends. Friends who support each other through all the seasons of life and who will go the extra mile.

Continue reading