House Of Twisted Shadows by J H Mann

Jul26

Secrets Both Uncovered & Buried

House Of Twisted Shadows by J H Mann is a mesmerising historical novel that held my attention rom the start. It is part of A Wild Cornwall series and can be read as a stand-alone.

The action takes place in 1962 in a coastal Cornish village. It is a farming community with an imposing house at its’ heart. Rumours say the house was built by a Nazi in the 1930’s.

The house holds its’ secrets as the walls and floors groan, refusing to divulge them.

Ten years before the novel opens, the leading lady’s father had been found dead in the hallway, his manuscripts about the house’s origins all missing.

By 1962 coastal erosion sees the house teetering on the edge of a cliff. There is a race to uncover secrets before the house plummets to a watering grave.

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Last Term At Malory Towers by Enid Blyton

Jul24

A Timeless Appeal

Last Term At Malory Towers by Enid Blyton is the sixth book in the Malory Towers series. I recommend reading the books in numerical order as the books show a group of girls as they journey through their high school years.

This is a marvellous series for girls. The first six books were penned in the 1940’s and 50’s, and still appeals to new audiences today. There are another seven books, making it a thirteen-book series. I first enjoyed Malory Towers fifty years ago. I am looking forward to reading the new books in the series.

Each book has a new pupil or pupils added to the core group of characters as we witness the daily lives of the girls boarding at Malory Towers.

There are some hard lessons to be learnt as we reap what we sow.

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Five Fall Into An Adventure by Enid Blyton

Jul24

Lots Of Derring Do

Five Fall Into An Adventure by Enid Blyton is an exciting children’s novel. It is the ninth book in the Famous Five series but can be read as a stand-alone.

The Famous Five novels were penned in the 1940’s and 50’s but they have a timeless appeal. The adventurous spirit is infectious, gaining new audiences down the years.

Fans of the Famous Five never forget them. Their stories last a lifetime in our memories. It is a pure delight to re-visit these books fifty years after I first read them. I have bought the box set and am enjoying introducing my grandchildren to the famous five.

Once more the children show their bravery against the bad guys.

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River Of Stars by Georgina Moore

Jul23

Island Women

River Of Stars by Georgina Moore is a very charming and heartfelt dual timeline novel that I loved.

The action is set in the 1960’s moving forwards, and also in present day. We see events through the eyes of mainly the two Star women – a grandmother and her granddaughter, plus a few other points of view.

They all live on an island with the river Thames running through it. The island feels like a character in its own right. It ‘calls’ to people. There is a duty of care to preserve the past whilst planning for the future but also taking care of the rich heritage of the island.

The island encourages creativity. There has been a vibrant music scene, nature and artists flourish too. Alternative life styles call out the best in people. The island offers a vibrant life in contrast to the stifling cities of London and New York.

Two main families have inhabited the island – there have been friends and feuds – but ultimately the present generation are about preservation and conservation. New life in all its forms will be fruitful on the island.

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