Tag Archive | Rachels Random Resources

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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The Silver Tide by J H Mann

Oct6

Exciting & Entertaining

The Silver Tide by J H Mann is a historical adventure. It is part of A Wild Cornwall series but can be read as a stand-alone.

The story is set in a Cornish fishing village in 1863. Facts are blended with fiction to create this marvellous tale.

We see that life is precarious. The sea is a dreadful master. It is rich in pilchards but the unpredictability of the sea means that it takes lives where it will.

1863 saw the beginnings of life boats. Following a terrible tragedy, a Cornish village campaigns for a life boat.

We see the role of religion as a vicar walks amongst his flock, quoting Bible verses. He also practices the gift of hospitality.

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The Magic Of Mister Mishkins

Sep20

Paw Pact

The Magic Of Mister Mishkins by Samantha Mattocks is a beautiful contemporary offering for children aged six years and over. It is the second book in The Magical Mister Mishkins series but can be read as a stand-alone.

The story surrounds Mister Mishkins and the many cats who live with him in his apothecary. Mister Mishkins is part Maine Coon, suffering from a common complaint of hip dysplasia. He is a caring cat who knows exactly what people want when they appear at his shop.

The book is about helping those in need. “Mosaic Street, and Mister Mishkins Apothecary was only ever found by those who needed their fears calmed or worries banished.” It is mainly children who come to Mister Mishkin’s door. For each child, there is a cat waiting to take them on an adventure and calm their fears. We see the lonely; the hurting; the frustrated; those with a fear of spiders or heights. With the help of a cat, children face their fears and overcome them, being able to live in freedom.

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