Tag Archive | Hodder and Stoughton

Sheltering Rain by Jojo Moyes

Jun15

An Epic Read

Sheltering Rain by Jojo Moyes is a marvellous dual timeline novel that I just could not put down.

The novel is about three generations of women within a family – the grandmother, mother and daughter. Their relationships are strained with each other. The mothers do not understand their daughters and vice versa.

It has been many years since Sabine saw her grandparents. As her mother’s relationship breaks down – again! – Sabine is sent to her grandparent’s remote house in Ireland. Here, it is like stepping back in time, with servants and stabled horses; set mealtimes in the dining room and separate bedrooms. Although it is the 1990’s (the book was written in 2002) there is no internet or mobile phone for Sabine.

Sabine arrives, a moody teen from London who does not want to be in a remote location where horses and hounds are more important than people. As the time goes on, we see Sabine transform into a caring, compassionate girl as her moods are banished. It is beautiful to see her connecting and making relationships.

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At The Captain’s Table by Gervase Phinn

Jun14

Witty, Engaging, Delightful

At The Captain’s Table by Gervase Phinn is the most delightful contemporary novel giving the reader the taste of life on a Mediterranean cruise ship.

This is the latest offering from Gervase Phinn and I enjoyed every minute of it. I found myself torn – wanting to read on, but not wanting to finish the book!

Once more we are treated to an eclectic mix of characters sailing on the high seas. The setting is a departure from the Dales but equally entertaining and captivating.

I loved the interaction between the characters. I spent the novel either sniggering or laughing out loud – especially at some of the malapropisms! Young Oliver at twelve years old warmed my heart. He had a very old head on young shoulders. He looked seriously at the world and was wise and kind. He saw the invisible and he reached out with kindness.

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Wish You Were Here by Jodi Picoult

Jan11

Wow – So Powerful

Wish You Were Here by Jodi Picoult is a powerful contemporary novel opening in March 2020 and moving forwards as the world dealt with the COVID pandemic.

Jodi Picoult focuses in on a couple, who are a microcosm for the experiences of many. Living in New York City, a doctor finds all of his leave cancelled as he faces the COVID outbreak in the hospital. We witness his life of PPE, hard work, impossible situations and sadness.

In contrast we see his partner, an art expert, trapped in the beauty and tranquility of the Galapagos Islands. But paradise can soon become a prison when you are trapped there with no flights in or out. “When you’re stuck in heaven, it can feel like hell.” We see the kindness and compassion of a local community.

The hospital is in contrast to the islands. Here it is hell on earth as bodies pile up and COVID takes hold. The experiences traumatise both staff and the patients who do recover. Survivors search for answers, trying to make sense of experiences that cannot be explained.

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A Class Act by Gervase Phinn

Nov21

Absolutely Charming And Highly Amusing

A Class Act by Gervase Phinn is another wonderful novel and the third book in the Top Of The Dale series. It can be read as a stand-alone but I recommend reading the previous books first to meet the characters and to witness their development.

A return visit to Risingdale is just the ticket to brighten a gloomy autumnal day. The reader is once more delighted to meet up with the teachers, pupils and local residents.

Gervase Phinn writes with insight and humor. His books always have me laughing out loud. Many years working in education have enabled Gervase Phinn to perfectly capture the nature of children. Their honesty is refreshing, and living in a farming community, their knowledge of sheep and other livestock is impressive.

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