The Accidental Stowaway by Judith Eagle

Aug18

Heroes & Villains

The Accidental Stowaway by Judith Eagle is an entertaining children’s historical novel that I loved. It is perfect for the over tens.

The reader joins the lead character, twelve-year-old Patch as she accidentally becomes a stowaway! We recognize her dilemma – she didn’t mean to leave Liverpool for America but she was being chased, and she was also doing the chasing. With New York beckoning, it feels like she could have a fresh start.

As Patch walks around the ship, she interacts with others. Not everyone is as they first seem. Many wish Patch well, but there are some who are menacing.

As Patch becomes involved in an adventure, and with the clock ticking down to docking – will Patch be able to out-wit the villains?

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The Floating Copenhagen Cafe by Annabel French

Aug18

Embracing The Hygge Life

The Floating Copenhagen Café by Annabel French is the most delightful contemporary novel that will warm your heart and make you smile. I never wanted it to end.

As the title suggests, the novel is set in Copenhagen. It is a pretty city with a vibrant food scene, and a network of canals. All this comes to life under the author’s descriptive pen. It is easy to picture the colourful buildings, peaceful waterways and delicious food. A real wealth of treasure for the senses.

The leading character travels from Milton Keynes to Copenhagen on a sabbatical to help revive a café. The greyness of England contrasts with the colourful Denmark. A staid 9 to 5 job in England and a life lived in shades of grey, opens up to pure technicolour in Denmark.

The Danes are a relaxed nation as they believe in, and adopt, the hygge life. “It’s about finding happiness in the everyday things in life we take for granted, enjoying every precious moment and making ourselves happy, even in the tough times.” There is always something to be joyful about, we just need to look for it. Life is for living, not just existing.

We learn about the treasures of life. “Life isn’t about things and possessions. It’s about feelings and experiences.” It is people who are the most important.

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The Little Porto Book Club by Rebecca Raisin

Aug18

The Meddling Mothers

The Little Porto Book Club by Rebecca Raisin is a most delightful contemporary novel that entertained me from the start.

The book has a wonderful light-hearted and fun tone as we drop in on an eclectic bunch of characters who are avid readers.

The Little Porto Book Club draws people from different walks of life who are united by their love of reading. As the book progresses, we glimpse the individual’s lives. Each one is battling something that no-one knows anything about.

Along the way there are misunderstandings which means the amateur super sleuths start investigating – always making two plus two equal five!

We meet meddling mothers who try to give romance a helping hand.

Grief is a major theme. “Grief is like a shadow, just behind you, but always there.” Grief is the price we pay for love. “This pain is my love for you, a love that has nowhere to go, it’s directionless, because you’re not there.” Sometimes grief is complicated when you suddenly find secrets coming to life.

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Starting Over In Bellbird Bay by Maggie Christensen

Aug16

Never Too Old

Starting Over In Bellbird Bay by Maggie Christensen is a most charming contemporary novel that will warm your heart and leave you smiling. It is the third book in the Bellbird Bay series but can be read as a stand-alone.

I thoroughly enjoyed returning to Bellbird Bay. It always feels like I am returning home as I sink into a Bellbird Bay novel. There is always a warm, friendly atmosphere.

The reader is cocooned within the tale. It is easy to picture the beautiful landscape and to ‘feel’ the warmth of the sun on your face, and the sand between your toes.

Bellbird Bay is a place of healing and second chances. Whilst we still have breath in our body, we can live full and rewarding lives. Whatever your age, life is for living.

All the characters were wonderfully drawn and easy to empathise with. The leading characters are the other side of forty. They proved that we are never too old to have a new beginning.

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