Tag Archive | Rachels Random Resources

A Christmas Baby At Goodwill House by Fenella J Miller

Sep2

Life Continues

A Christmas Baby At Goodwill House by Fenella J Miller is a marvellous historical novel. It is the seventh book in the Goodwill House series but can be read as a stand-alone. I recommend reading the previous books first in order to see character progression and development.

The action is set during 1941 as we rejoin the residents of Goodwill House. It is the start of a new era. “I now make my decision on acquaintances based on who they are, not where they come from.” War is a great leveler. The old class system is crumbling. People earn their reputations and not by the circumstances of their birth.

All the residents of Goodwill House have kind hearts, helping where they can. As Christmas approaches, they are determined to ensure all the children of the village receive gifts. They truly do ‘make do and mend’ as they repurpose old toys found in the attic.

We also follow RAF pilots. We see the responsibility and the heartache. Also there are conflicting emotions when one is congratulated for shooting down the enemy. “He was uncomfortable celebrating the death of anyone, even an enemy.” Every pilot will have a mother somewhere.

We learn the value of family. Family is not always blood related but those who love and care for us.

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The Bookshop By The Loch by Julie Shackman

Aug31

Cover Reveal

The Bookshop By The Loch

Lexie Dunbar is a book lover. And her favourite place in the world is her local bookstore, Book Ends.  So when she hears that it’s going to be sold, Lexie decides she needs to do something to help.

Lexie’s plan to save the ailing shop is fully underway until gorgeous-but-grouchy artist Tobias Black arrives on the scene determined to turn the bookstore into an art gallery. Lexie is horrified; the last thing the quaint town of Bracken Way needs is a pretentious artist, even if he does seem to charm everyone but her.

Tensions continue to rise until Tobias discovers a shocking secret that shows they might have more in common than they realise. As sparks fly, can Lexie and Tobias work together, or will opposing ideas get in the way of them finding their very own happy ever after…

Pre-order Links

UK – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bookshop-Loch-brand-escapist-romance-ebook/dp/B0CCXFV6GK/

US – https://www.amazon.com/Bookshop-Loch-brand-escapist-romance-ebook/dp/B0CCXFV6GK/

Publication Date: 29th February 2024

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How To Draw A Giraffe by Alice G May

Aug26

For Children & Adults Alike

How To Draw A Giraffe by Alice G May is a marvellous book for children ad adults alike. If you like drawing, this is for you. If you like giraffes, you will love this book.

This book has a step by step guide showing how to draw a giraffe, starting with just two small dots. Alice G May talks the reader through the stages, showing what to do and giving a close-up. By the end of the book, you will have drawn your own giraffe which you can personalize.

Throughout the book, there are unique pictures of giraffes, each with a fun fact.

The end of the book contains a wordsearch and some hide and seek. We also learn the importance of protecting the world in which we live.

Alice G May encourages us all to draw and colour. It is very therapeutic. It does not matter what your skill level is, the important thing is to relax and to have fun.

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Murder In The Bookshop by Anita Davison

Aug25

Entertaining

Murder In The Bookshop by Anita Davison is a fabulous historical novel that entertained me from the start. It is part of A Miss Merrill & Aunt Violet Mystery series but can be read as a stand-alone.

The action is set in London in 1915. Britain is embroiled in World War I and the atmosphere of fear has been captured by the author. We witness the devastation of zeppelin raids. As life is hanging in the balance, we see hasty promises turning to regrets.

There is a search to uncover the truth, whilst simultaneously some are in a hurry to bury it. A character wishes to hide a murky past. There are no lengths to which one will not stoop.

Childhood friends have forged deep bonds as they look out for each other.

Some set out their plans as deception is the order of the day – for some there are ulterior motives. Others practice smoke and mirrors in order to protect.

All the characters were well drawn and likable. We see the role of women changing. With World War I came more opportunities. Lives that had fought to expand as suffragettes, opened up further as women stepped into roles vacated by men going to war.

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