Tag Archive | Rachels Random Resources

The Old Girls’ Chateau Escape by Kate Galley

Feb4

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.

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The Storyteller’s Daughter by Victoria Scott

Jan17

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.

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Widows Waive The Rules by Julia Jarman

Jan16

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.

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The Great Race by Sun Chara & Joe Happy-Light

Jan15

A Message For Us All

The Great Race by Sun Chara & Joe Happy-Light is a delightful children’s novel for ages five to eight years. It is the first book in Return To Fable Land series.

The story is a variation of an Aesop’s fable about the hare and the tortoise. There are important lessons to be learnt as we see the value of persistence and good friends.

No man is an island. We were not built to live in isolation but in the company of others.

The book is simply but beautifully illustrated by Danila Frongia. Each illustration is a starting point for discussions with our children.

The whole story is engaging and entertaining, giving us pointers to chat about with our children.

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