Tag Archive | Rachels Random Resources

The Women Who Wouldn’t Leave by Victoria Scott

Aug3

Delightful

The Women Who Wouldn’t Leave by Victoria Scott is a delightful contemporary novel that made me smile.

It is a novel about friendship, love and community as a group of neighbours come together to fight the authorities for what is theirs. The community pull together.

Over the years the neighbours exchanged polite greetings but as needs are identified, friendships begin and isolated lives begin to open up.

You never know what private battles people are fighting. Some residents have hidden secrets for years. They feel safer hiding from the world. If they do not let others in, they cannot be hurt – but we all need friends.

Animals and being in nature promote healing. The animals offer pure love, expecting nothing in return.

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The Nurse by Valerie Keogh

Aug1

Totally Immersive

The Nurse by Valerie Keogh is an absolutely marvellous contemporary psychological thriller that I just could not put down.

Valerie Keogh is a fantastic author who draws you into the world of The Nurse with her words. Whilst of questionable motives, the lead character is likable, realistic and elicits feelings of sympathy from the reader. I could recognize myself in her as a child, suffering at the hands of the school bully. We feel shock and horror at the event that left her alone at aged just sixteen.

The leading lady is a blend of vulnerable yet strong; empathetic and downright evil. She seems to have second sight into the character of people but at the crucial moment, it lets her down.

We see the devastation that loss leaves – a character is frozen in time; another sees his daughter everywhere he looks.

Our responses to characters are guided by Valerie Keogh’s marvellous pen. I found it surprising when I did a complete u-turn in my response to a character!

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Second Chances At Bellbird Bay by Maggie Christensen

Aug1

Very Charming

Second Chances In Bellbird Bay by Maggie Christensen is a very charming contemporary novel and the seventh book in the Bellbird Bay series. It warmed my heart.

Bellbird Bay is the place where a huge warm welcome awaits. Strangers quickly become friends. There is an air of community that pervades the book. Lives are lived out in the open but be ware of listening to gossip and test the source before believing all you hear or misunderstandings may arise.

Bellbird Bay is the home of second chances and new beginnings. Missed opportunities in the teenage years have the chance for a do-over as characters reach their fifties. Growing old does not mean missing out. It’s never too late for a fresh start.

We hear of the devastating effects of an earthquake in the Philippines. We witness how a hotelier drops everything to go and be part of the aid team.

All the characters are well drawn, likable and realistic. Many put family first. Bellbird Bay is a place where “people are happy and content with their lives, not always striving for more.” True happiness is found in people and not possessions.

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Coffins & Confetti by Ruth Graham

Jul31

All You Need Is Love

Coffins And Confetti by Ruth Graham is a wonderful look at life following a Birmingham celebrant as we see funerals, weddings and general life observances.

Ruth Graham has a very personable style that feels like reading a letter from a dear friend. As we glimpse snapshots of her life, we feel incredibly privileged to see into her heart and soul. She writes with clarity and honesty, using humor too.

Funerals may be sad or seen as a celebration of life as the deceased’s family and friends remember them with love and laughter.

The funerals of the very young or those who have taken their own lives are very sad.

Marriage is the opposite side of the coin. It is a happy event if marrying for the right reasons.

Ruth Graham has a delightful open style that will appeal to all ages.

We see that life is not always rosy but if you have love, you are rich beyond measure. “We’ve only got the basics materially but… we’re rich people in love and support. Nothing else matters”, is a quote from a husband married for sixty five years.

This is an honest, enjoyable and entertaining read.

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