Rewitched by Lucy Jane Wood

Apr3

Before The Thunder

Rewitched by Lucy Jane Wood is a marvellous contemporary fantasy novel that enchanted me from the start.

Fantasy is a genre that I am unfamiliar with, but Rewitched was a smashing tale.

Rewitched combines the love of books, the love of a good cat called Jinx, and a legacy of magic to be fulfilled on Bella’s thirtieth birthday – but all is not as it seems at first. Appearances can be deceptive.

We learn that greed and the lust for power have seen some act in diabolical ways, seeking to deceive those around them.

Love of family is a powerful force. “I would fight with every fibre of my being for you.” Family is not always blood-related but it is those who love us.

Cats have an inner sixth sense. Jinx gives warning when he feels all is not right around Bella.

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The Orphan’s Mission by Glynis Peters

Apr3

Of Love & War

The Orphan’s Mission by Glynis Peters is a compelling historical novel that consumed me from the start.

The action begins in London before moving briefly to the south coast and then over to mainline Europe during World War II. We follow a teenage orphan whose father was French, and mother was British. Now she has nowhere to call home. She answers the personal call to fight the Nazis from inside France.

We witness the bravery required to sail to Holland, walk several miles to a rendez vous point, and then be parachuted into France.

A small cell of resistance fighters occupies a French farm. They live in plain sight as a family unit – until they realise someone has betrayed them.

We see the wits, bravery and cunning needed to survive the most dangerous of times.

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The Ghost Locket by Allison Rushby

Apr2

Something Truly Beautiful

The Ghost Locket by Allison Rushby is a charming contemporary children’s novel that is perfect for ten years and over.

Though the tale is set at Christmas, the story is suitable for any time of year.

A house in London is set up to be a living museum. It is occupied by three people who have passed but are trapped within the building. Eleven-year-old Lolli sees spirits and realises that they need her help – but needs to work out what must be done.

Lolli had a bond with Elsie, the old lady who lived in the house. She imparted words of love and wisdom. Her love reaches beyond the grave.

As the days pass, Lolli realises she does not want to live afraid any longer. “I don’t want to be the person I am. Always scared. Always afraid. Always saying no.” Lolli must face her fears in order to defeat them. She remembers what Elsie would have said and is motivated by that. “She would help me without question. That’s what people who love each other do. Even when they’re scared, they show up.”

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Third Year At Malory Towers by Enid Blyton

Apr2

Friendships & High Jinx

Third Year At Malory Towers by Enid Blyton is a superb girls’ book set in a boarding school. It is the third book in the Malory Towers series but can be read as a stand-alone. I recommend reading the books in numerical order for character and timeline progression.

The girls are now fourteen as they head back to school in Cornwall. It is the spring term and there are two new girls – an American who is an aspiring actress, and a tomboy who loves her horse.

Once more we join in for lessons and pranks. There are friendships and squabbles; highs and lows; good behaviour and high jinx.

We see the kindness of a teacher when a beloved horse is in trouble.

We learn the lesson of being yourself and do not think of yourself as above others.

I thoroughly enjoyed the book as much today as when I first read the series fifty years ago.

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