Tag Archive | Rachels Random Resources

A Ticket To Ride by Sue Wickstead

Oct23

So Beautiful

A Ticket To Ride: Stories & Rhymes by Sue Wickstead is a most beautiful book for children aged five years and older. Whatever your age, these rhymes will delight you.

The book covers a variety of topics from bumble bees to lions, from arks to buses. There is something here for everyone to enjoy.

There are unique takes on familiar rhymes such as Jingle Bells, and stories such as Noah’s Ark. Sue Wickstead gives a new, fresh perspective that entertains not only the children, but the adult reading aloud too.

All the poems are beautifully illustrated. Each picture is a wealth of information and colour. It is a starting point for discussions with our children.

Sue Wickstead always produces the most beautiful books that will enhance any child’s personal library.

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The Old Gals’ Bucket List by Karen King

Oct11

Grab Life By The Horns

The Old Gals’ Bucket List by Karen King is a perfectly charming contemporary novel that I read in just one sitting.

This is a light-hearted and fun read about learning to live again. The leading characters are all about seventy and prove that you are never too old to have fun.

The leading lady had been widowed earlier. Life has been on hold until she bumps into an old friend who is a cancer survivor and determined to now make her life count. “I promised myself that if I survived, I’d live life to the full, no fear, no excuses, I want to make every single day count.” This is a turning point as the pair decide to make a bucket list and then work through it.

As the novel progresses, we see that growing older can still be exciting as the pair grab life by the horns.

We see the ladies get their first tattoo, learn to swim and conquer many fears. “Feel the fear but do it anyway.” Life is for living and new experiences can be fun.

A grown-up son tries to limit his mum, believing she is ready for a retirement home! “I’m ready to live again and you need to step back and let me do that.” Her son’s stance comes from the viewpoint of love.

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A New Life In Amsterdam by Helga Jensen

Oct10

New Beginnings

A New Life In Amsterdam by Helga Jensen is the most delightful novel that I read in just one sitting.

You are never too old to have a new beginning. The fifty-nine-year-old proves that as she moves from a house in England to a houseboat in Amsterdam after the empty nester syndrome kicks in.

Isolated in England, Amsterdam offers a community feel and friendly, feel-good vibes as she is welcomed with open arms by the houseboat community.

In England, loneliness had been temporarily alleviated by becoming a shopaholic. “All these material goods only serve as a temporary comfort blanket. It is loneliness at home that is the problem.” Each shopping high was following by a crashing low.

In contrast, we see the community and care that life in Amsterdam gives. “Kindness, compassion and being helpful are more important than material things.” The lead character finds herself cocooned by the new community.

Characters bond over food and community activities, such as knitting and a book club. All the characters are warm and welcoming. Their love and care reach beyond the book, to envelop the reader.

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Kalahari Passage by Candi Miller

Oct9

Powerful

Kalahari Passage by Candi Miller is a powerful historical novel. It is the second book in the Koba & Mannie series but can be read as a stand-alone.

The story is set in South Africa during the 1960’s It was a dreadful period with Apartheid. There was so much violence, inequality and prejudice. Persecution and corruption were rife as the white South Africans continually put down the black South Africans. Nowhere was safe from corruption. Candi Miller has captured the horrors of the time.

Kalahari Passage was not an easy read but a necessary one. We must never return to that time, and learn the lessons of history.

Love between the races was prohibited. We follow what can only be described as a Romeo & Juliet romance. Their love is forbidden but the pair fight to be together. There is both a determination and a hope for the future.

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