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Evil At Alardyce House by Heather Atkinson

Jun30

Full Circle

Evil At Alardyce House by Heather Atkinson is the fourth book in the marvellous Alardyce House series. It can be read as a stand-alone but I recommend reading the previous novels first.

Twelve years have passed since the end of book two as we follow the fortunes of Robert Alardyce and his family. We travel from Edinburgh to Africa and back again. The intervening years have helped Robert Alardyce realise what is really important and what he wants from life. Returning to his family they have to decide – is Robert the man he was? Or is he who he now claims to be?

Family is important. Matriarch Amy holds the family together, knowing that one day the mantle will pass to the next generation – but who?

We see the strength of character of both Amy and her daughter-in-law Jane. They have an inner resilience that means they are survivors.

Life is a battle between good and evil. We see souls in torment as a battle rages within.

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A Sister’s Destiny by Rosie Clarke

Jun29

Carpe Diem

A Sister’s Destiny by Rosie Clarke is a marvellous historical novel that I thoroughly enjoyed.

The action is set from just before World War I to just afterwards. It was a time of change for women as the war presented them with opportunities. These did not go far enough as women, when they married, had to give up their jobs.

The leading lady is very much a modern woman for the times. As the novel progresses, she develops a strength of character. She faces challenges but overcomes them with courage, dignity and kindness.

World War I offered opportunities to become a nurse. Hard work, dedication and a strong stomach were needed to survive, especially if one was sent to the Front.

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The Llama Farm On New Moon Lane by Laura Briggs

Jun27

Where A House Becomes A Home

The Llama Farm On New Moon Lane by Laura Briggs is a very delightful contemporary tale that will warm your heart.

The story is mainly set in Yorkshire. The llama farm is in complete contrast to urban Reading which was stifling a character. In the countryside characters can flourish as the surroundings prove to be a tonic to ill health.

The llama farm is home to a few animals in need of love and care. They are those that others have rejected, including Dimitri, an elderly donkey who needs peace and quiet in his old age.

Just being with animals can be therapeutic for both children and adults alike. We meet a young boy with special needs who bonds with the animals especially Larry the llama.

Laura Briggs has perfectly painted the scenes with her words. The reader can ‘see’ the beautiful landscape as we also ‘bond’ with the animals.

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The Greatest Love Story Ever Told by Suzy K Quinn

Jun26

To The Moon & Back

The Greatest Love Story Ever Told by Suzy K Quinn is the most beautiful contemporary story about love that I never wanted to end. I savored every moment of it.

This is not your traditional love story but make no mistake, it is a love story, and by far and away the best love story I have ever read.

We all need love but not everyone recognizes this fact and that can lead to loneliness. Sometimes we need other people to point out to us just what is missing.

This unconventional love story has nine year old Callum at it’s heart, along with his friend Angel Rain and Mr Lamb who is researching for his PhD thesis. They are unlikely heroes but heroes never the less.

Callum is largely ignored by his teacher at school. She has labelled him as a slow learner and has forgotten about him. In contrast, his teaching assistant is kind and encouraging. Callum is given the opportunity to help Mr Lamb with his thesis as Callum will be observed by him.

As the book progresses, we witness the growth of both Callum and Mr Lamb as a personality that was frozen, begins to thaw.

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