Hobbies and Crafts

I have read just read Magnolia Street, I recomend this to every one who enjoys
"A beautifully written Atmospheric Tales.

Stephen King and Peter Straub shows how good and evil can be used.

Bridget

Bridget - who is the author please? Then we can look it up.
............

The Taxidermists Daughter by Kate Mosse (she of Labyrinth, Citadel etc fame)

It “is set in Sussex in 1912 and filled with grizzly murders, stuffed birds and suspicious villagers.”
Connie lost her memory after a serious fall 12 years previously and now suffers from Petit Mal seizures. These episodes trigger memory recall of various incidents which make her doubt what she had been told of her past.

The Sussex marshland/water meadows south of Fishbourne are threatened with flooding throughout the 3 day action packed period, which adds to the tension as does the unnatural gathering of rooks, crows and magpies.

This book was a gift – I’m not sure if I would have bought it myself, but its still worth a read.

I have loved her other books, are you saying this one is not as good?

It isn't what I'd call 'Historical' like Citadel etc if that makes sense, but is definitely gruesome in some parts! Part Victorian melodrama, there is a lot of symbolism in the story - the birds, and the rhythm of waves of stormy weather which pass over the area.

There is a pretty accurate review here from the Guardian
http://tiny.cc/uuz8px

Thank you, reading that I am not sure it is for me. I loved her Languedoc (sp) triligy though. :-)

Helloo Kindle Readers, have finished 'Diary of a Nobody' and it was just as amusing as I remembered it :-D

Now looking forward to reading the Lucy Clarke book you recommended Ann...'A Single Breath'...taking it to bed tonight :-D
Mau XX

Enjoy Mau! :-)

Helloooooooo all you lovely readers :-D :-D ~~~~~~~s

Lots of interesting and different reads being posted which is great, a lovely mix...many thanks for all who post......so much to choose from and gives us a better idea and something different to what we would normally read...... :-) :-)

I am just starting The Amber Keeper - Freida Lightfoot

Set against the backdrop of revolutionary Russia, The Amber Keeper is a sweeping tale of jealousy and revenge, reconciliation and forgiveness.

English Lake District, 1960s: A young Abbie Myers returns home after learning of her mother’s death. Estranged from her turbulent family for many years, Abbie is heartbroken to hear that they blame her for the tragedy.

Determined to uncover her mother’s past, Abbie approaches her beloved grandmother, Millie, in search of answers. As the old woman recounts her own past, Abbie is transported back to the grandeur of the Russian Empire in 1911 with tales of her grandmother’s life as a governess and the revolution that exploded around her.

As Abbie struggles to reconcile with her family, and to support herself and her child, she realizes that those long-ago events created aftershocks that threaten to upset the fragile peace she longs to create.


Happy Reading Bookworms <3 <3

Ooh Haven't read that one, I love her books. Is that a kindle one Mersey?

Yes that does sound interesting. If Father Christmas comes up with vouchers, that could be a possibility.

In case any one has missed it, the GR book club have announced this months title

Elizabeth is missing by Emma Healey.

The narrator, apparently, is Maud who is suffering from dementia. She knows that her friend is missing but because of her confusion no one believes her. It's up to Maud to find Elizabeth and along the way find out what happened to her own sister who disappeared after WW2.

I've a suspicion that if someone was close to a dementia sufferer, they may find it upsetting. I could be wrong of course!

I Ann I actually have it on kindle, had it for few weeks, I have Amazon Prime so was able to receive edition before it actually came out for free.......

I am really enjoying it :-)

After seeing it mentioned on this thread I've been reading The Agincourt Bride. I'm in two minds about this book.

On one hand it's an enjoyable read and I think it's an accomplished first book. Treated purely as a novel based on the life of Catherine of Valois it works well, though I did find Catherine came over as a bit too perfect.

My problem is with the historical side of it. I think the author should have had an introduction with some indication of what is evidenced fact and what is her imagination. Obviously the dynastic marriages, the battles and sieges took place as stated but there seemed to be a fair bit that was contentious.

For instance, while I realise the children of nobility often saw little of their parents, I found it hard to believe their physical well being was so neglected so I did a bit of googling. It appears there was a story that Queen Isabeau cruelly neglected her children but there is documentation that this is probably untrue. There are receipts etc that show they did have good clothing and were bought toys and were well educated. As quite a lot of the story hangs on their terrible childhood, I think the author should have put some sort of explanation.

To sum up - a good story, well written, but treat the history with a bit of scepticism.

I have started to read The Book of Gold Leaves by Mirza Waheed. Not sure so far. The names are almost unpronounceable to me so take a bit of remembering who is who. so far it is hard going but it is early days and I am hoping a story will develop rather than what appears to me to be lists of facts and events.
This is the Genes book club read

I'm interested in what you have to say Ann as I have also got The Book of Gold Leaves from the Genes Book Club, but I don't think I'll be starting it till after Christmas.

Genes often gets criticised but I've received 4 free books this year which has more than covered my subscription and I've had the chance to read books I might not otherwise have bought. Gold star to Genes.

Yes I agree I think I have had four as well. This one is a hefty tome. :-D

I've applied for and received 5 or was it 6?
Some of them turned out not to be to my taste, but all worth persevering with. They've now been found good homes amongst the family who in turn will recycle them. The authors may not receive any extra royalties but passing them on may promote purchases of new titles.

Interesting review of The Agincourt Bride, Vera. I do tend to take historical novels with a pinch of salt. After all, history is written by the winner. The contemporary scribes on which our knowledge is based, were at pains to show their Masters in a good light.

Just had an e mail to say I am getting the next one as well. Yes mine also get passed on.

At the moment I am reading The King's Sister by Anne O'Brian
on my Kindle.
It tells the story of Elizabeth of Lancaster, daughter of John of Gaunt.

Sounds interesting Emma.

Over Christmas I read Elizabeth is Missing, the latest from the GR book club. It was a good story and as suspected, also sad. My review is on the dedicated thread. No spoilers!

I've given up with one of the kindle freebies - Resident Fear (Fog on the Tyne) by Hylton Smith. The UK had withdrawn from the EU , the police force is more concerned with the political macinations of the New Order than solving the murder of a philanthropic(sp?) biogeneticist owner of a large company.
In an effort to explain the background, the author turns the narrative into lectures. It might 'read' better on the printed page rather than a tablet screen.

Thank goodness I didn't pay for it!

To all Kindle Tarts & Bookworms <3 <3 Happy New Year <3 <3

Happy reading and long may it continue :-D <3

May your coming year be filled
with magic and dreams and good madness
I hope you read some fine books and kiss
someone who thinks your wonderful
Sing and live as only you can, and somewhere
in the next year you surprise yourself with
happiness

<3