Hobbies and Crafts

Hi all :-) <3

Im actually reading Circus Shoes by Noel Streatfield a Childrens book. Its a a lovely story of a community where people are all different and valued for their different skills and where children have a crucial part to play.

The reason I am reading this is Looby was given it as a present, and she is trying to read it so thought it would be nice if we could talk about it when shes finished.

Have to say I am really enjoying it :-)

When I was a child one of my favourite children's hour serials on the radio (yes that is how old I am Lol) was Noel Stretfield's Ballet Shoes. I know I also read the book but don't remember Circus Shoes.

Hi Ann

I have just looked on Amazon and there is a few books including Theatre Shoes.

Im not sure if the books are slightly too old for her, but lets see what happens.

I loved Snow Flower and the Secret Fan....got it as a kindle deal once and was surprised how much I enjoyed it !

Just finished a Kindle book called *The Other Place*......that was also a cheap Kindle deal....this looked like one I should like..bit of time travel and reincarnation etc.........but I didn't....it was predictable and tedious and I'd guessed the twist halfway in :-D

Sooooooo I've turned to good old Jeffrey Archer to give me a safe read this time..I'm reading Only Time Will Tell (Clifton Chronicles)..I always enjoy his books..will be surprised if this is any different.

Hi Muffy ive yet to read the Jeffrey Archer books, ive got them on kindle waiting...

I am going to start My Secret Sister by Helen Edwards shortly , her and her sister where talking about it on "This Morning" it sounds an amazing story also they or part of the family were reunited here on GR, from what I could make out, so really looking forward to reading it. Will let you all know :-)

Keep Warm :-D

Sorry I had to Edit the authors name I got it wrong :-)

Finished The King's Mistress and about to start
The Mummifier's Daughter by Nathanial Burns.

Emma :-)

Finished the Maggie O'Farrell book 'Instructions for a Heatwave', almost as good as all the other books she has written. Am now almost finished the Kate Atkinson book...since I started 'Kindleing' I keep forgetting the titles of the books I have finished. Think it's because when you read a book, it sits looking at you and you remember the title easily. It is not senility at all at all, I tell myself.

Am now looking for something new. Here is my criteria. Well written, humouous but in a subtle way, strong leading characters, a love interest but nothing mushy, and an engrossing, original storyline which constantly surprises and intrigues. And, a contemporary setting.

Any suggestions? :-D :-D :-D <3

Not asking for much BC then?? Putting my thinking cap on.


I have just finished Ravenscliffe, enjoyed it a good story, sequel to Netherwood. Now just started Kate atkinson's Obe good Turn, mainly because it has been sitting on my shelf for ages.

Peony in Love" by Lisa See. sounds really interesting I may give that one a bash.....I have read Thursday in the park and found it too precitable :-D

Just finished the first in the Jeffrey Archer trilogy......and found book 2 in the Amazon spring sale for 99p...RESULT ! So I've just started that !

Thursday in the park. Did you Hayley, that is interesting. I suppose it was a bit but I thought it was quite a nice read. Maybe you are not old enough to appreciate it Lol!!!! :-)

Labyrinth by Kate Moss

Anyone who has read it, Channel 4 Saturday and Sunday. On TV.

Just read "Behind the Scenes at the Museum" by Kate Atkinson
and
"Trunk Music" by Michael Connelly.
both are books chosen by the GReaders group this time.
Have also read "Celestial Navigation" by Anne Tyler (she also wrote "The Accicental Tourist") This is a story of Jeremy, a child-like, painfully shy bachelor who was never left home. He lives on the third floor of his mothers boarding house, and is an artist. Then his mother dies and the beautiful Mary Tell arrives to turn his world upside down.
The story is told by many voices of people who know him.

P.S. Oh no, it is snowing again. :-(

Morning all :-) Just finishing Behind the Scenes at the Museum, Tess and enjoyed the quirkiness of the writing. Also read all of Anne Tyler's books and I really love everything she writes. Am still looking for the elusive book which ticks all my boxes! :-D

Almost finished The Mummifier's Daughter which I have really gotten
into.
Neti is really hated by the people because of the job she does as they
think its a curse for a woman to be an embalmer. She is a very clever
woman sort of a modern day detective as she can tell the cause of death
by poison or the obvious reasons. There is a murderer on the loose who
kills in an horrific way and Neti's parents are victims. A lot of twists and
turns in this story which have kept me interested.

Emma :-)

Still ploughing through Ravenscliffe. I'm enjoying it, but can't help but feel that some of the themes and characters have been "borrowed".
Next, I'm going to read Various Pets Alive and Dead by Marina Lewycka (author of Two Caravans and Short History of Tractors.....). I love her offbeat characters and quirky writing. I have a very eclectic choice of reading!

Can you explain more what you mean re Ravenscliffe Geordie? Do you mean plaguerised from another book. Have you read Netherwood?

Good Evening all :-)

Ann thanks for letting us know about Labyrinth, I have actually never read the book so will be taping it first.

As for Ravenscliffe I did enjoy it but not as much as the first book.

Im still reading My Secret Sister I haven't got to the part over finding relatives through GR yet, so will have to wait and see......

You're welcome Mersey, do read it, it is a good book.

BC I know it is quite an old one but have you read One Good turn by Kate Atkinson? If you haven't I think you'd enjoy it.