Tag Archive | Rachels Random Resources

No 23 Burlington Square by Jenni Keer

Nov4

Love Leads The Way

No 23 Burlington Square by Jenni Keer is a marvellous historical novel that consumed me.

The action is set in 1927 in a large house in London.

All the characters were well drawn and fully rounded. I did not like one of the leading ladies at first. She seemed entitled and a party girl but once the reader realizes what motivates her, we can see that beneath her exterior beats a heart of gold.

We see what war did for women. It enabled them to have more freedoms as they stepped into the jobs vacated by men. The women were reluctant to go back to being seen as property of the men or in loveless marriages. There is much courage when women stand up for who they really are.

During the war the men fought for freedom. At home, the women now fight for their freedoms. The workers did not want to be shackled.

There was still a class system. “The accident of your birth determined your status in the world.” As the 1920’s progressed, the class system was beginning to be eroded.

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Christmas Memories At Waterside Cottage by K T Dady

Nov3

Enchanting

Christmas Memories At Waterside Cottage by K T Dady is the most beautiful contemporary novel that I just could not put down. It is set in December on the Isle Of Wight and really is Christmas in a book.

Festive scenes evoke memories of childhood Christmases with snow, snowmen and love.

Family is important. Family is those who love us no matter what. Family stick by us. The warmth and love of a family reach beyond the book to envelop the reader.

With recent memories just out of reach, a character has to recreate Christmases past in the hope that his wife will remember not only who he is but why they fell in love. The reader is enchanted by magical Christmas tree farms and festive gingerbread drinks.

There is one who tries to take advantage of a lack of memory, as a character tries to poison a relationship with wicked lies due to jealousy.

All the characters were delightfully drawn, warm and realistic. I adored them all with their love and care.

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Army Girls Reporting For Duty by Fenella J Miller

Nov2

Fabulous New Series

Army Girls Reporting For Duty by Fenella J Miller is a fabulous start to a new historical series. I cannot wait for the subsequent books.

The year is 1942 as we follow four new recruits to the ATS. Three are single, one is unhappily married to a bully who is in the regular army. We witness how war actually broadened the horizons of women. There were those who preferred to join up rather than make loveless marriage alliances.

We witness the regimented life of a recruit. Having heard tales from my Dad about square bashing as he did national conscription in the RAF, after the war, it was easy for me to picture what life was like and what a shock some of the rules would be.

There is a camaraderie as the girls’ bond over mugs of tea and plates of stew. Fraternising with male members of the services was discouraged, however love will always find a way. We see the girls settle into new roles away from civilian life.

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The Winter’s Sleep by Monica Cafferky

Nov1

A Fabulous Debut

The Winter’s Sleep by Monica Cafferky is a marvellous debut novel that totally engrossed me.

It is set in Yorkshire, moving from suburbia near Leeds to Saltburn on the coast. The locations come to life under the author’s pen. Saltburn is particularly atmospheric with its’ menacing cliffs and wild weather. Though only a small town, a character comes to life in Saltburn whereas a light was extinguished in Leeds.

Life is made up of more than we can see. There is darkness and light. We need to be careful not to let the darkness in. Light can overcome the darkness. At the name of God, the demons will flee.

We see that a downfall will come when money is the goal. Bit by bit, a character erodes as he is setting his goalposts in the wrong place. The outward appearance mirrors the inner darkness.

There is a beautiful bond between a grandmother and her granddaughter. Loss is keenly felt until another grandmother figure steps in.

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