Dreadnought by Robin Bennett

Oct16

Many Layers Within

Dreadnought by Robin Bennett is a gripping novel set in the near future but with its’ roots firmly in the past.

The world is on the brink of World War III as a family move from London to the North Yorkshire coast, near Whitby, as they stay in the family home on Dreadnought.

Here, the veil between the past and present draws thin. Seven-year-old Cass is in touch with those whom the adults cannot see. The whole area has a dark and brooding presence. Three generations of the family inhabit Dreadnought.

Dreadnought seems to be a place of secrets. Ancient voices from the past, call out as the fog rolls in.

Cass is amazingly brave. She faces her fears in order to free her friend.

There are elements of the Gothic horror tradition found within the novel – strange creatures lurking in dark corners; sea mists; caves; and of course, the folk lore of Dracula surrounding Whitby Abbey.

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Mist In The Willows by Lucy Linne

Oct13

Battles In The Darkness

Mist In The Willows by Lucy Linne is a contemporary Gothic horror novel that grabbed my attention from the start. It is the first book in The Spirit Fleet Chronicles which promises to be entertaining.

I do not normally venture into the horror genre but this is ‘gentle’ horror which was both exciting and entertaining. There are all the elements of a traditional Gothic horror tale – with darkness, swirling mists, unexplainable happenings. The reader witnesses that life can be a battle between good and evil, as the powers of darkness try to pull an innocent down.

‘Just doing her job’ is a phrase that has haunted former army captain Jade, along with recent past events that she has tried to block out but keep resurfacing in her dreams. PTSD has seen her tossed aside by the army after loyally serving them. She is now sofa-surfing on her Grandad’s houseboat.

The images from her recent past pursue her. The faster she runs, the more her pursuers amass. She wonders if it is all in her imagination until her dog growls at the darkness, and Jade realises that evil is afoot.

Lucy Linne has constructed a tale that pulls the reader into the action from the start. We invest our emotions into the character of Jade who is extremely likable.

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Postmarked December by Jenny Hale

Oct12

Simply Beautiful

Postmarked December by Jenny Hale is a simply beautiful book about love, loss and life.

As the novel opens a young widow is missing her husband and dreading the approaching first Christmas without him. All she desires is a little piece of him again – and then the letters start to arrive, one after another – it seems as if Toby is communicating from beyond the grave.

This is a novel about second chances. Her one big love is gone – but the memories remain, and she knows that Toby wanted her to be happy again.

Under the kindness and charms of Nick, young widow, Heather, learns how to live and to love again. However, as she learns the truth about the author of the letters, her life is shattered again.

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The Sparkly Waistcoat by Sue Wickstead

Oct9

Very Beautiful

The Sparkly Waistcoat by Sue Wickstead is a most delightful book for preschool children and those in early years.

The action is in the lead up to Christmas but would be a charming book to read any day of the year.

We witness the bonds between a grandmother and her grandson, as well as the bonds formed between her as a teacher and her class.

The sparkly waistcoat is pivotal to the tale. It is worn in December and can be worn by any child in any role in the Christmas play. This gives us all the message that everyone is equal even though they play different parts.

The waistcoat is lost. We see how everyone searches for it. It reminded me of the parables of the lost coin and the lost sheep. There is much rejoicing when it is found.

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