On Reading And Other Things...

As I have shared with readers this year has seen a few challenges in my life including a pesky eye problem which I am told cannot be diagnosed or cured...because of lack of research...

After seeing a fair amount of doctors, I have been told to learn to live with 'it' as no change has been detected. Easier said than done, the original problem remains and it has taken a toll on life in more ways than I ever imagine. No complaints though, there is worse but it upset my one favourite pastime...you guessed it, READING!

It would appear I must alter my banner from 'Book Reviewer'...Sad!

Still, KINDLE has been a lifesaver as I can adjust the print (providing I can keep at bay the recurring headaches...).
Thus I have been able to enjoy a few good books (particularly as I have been flying a lot lately and layovers are sometimes lengthy).

So here are a couple of titles I would like to bring to your attention if you enjoy reading:

The House By The Dvina: A Russian Childhood by Eugenie Fraser

• ISBN-13: 978-1845965730

Synopsis:

The House by the Dvina is the riveting story of two families separated in culture and geography but bound together by a Russian-Scottish marriage. It includes episodes as romantic and dramatic as any in fiction: the purchase by the author's great-grandfather of a peasant girl with whom he had fallen in love; the desperate sledge journey in the depths of winter made by her grandmother to intercede with Tsar Aleksandr II for her husband; the extraordinary courtship of her parents; and her Scottish granny being caught up in the abortive revolution of 1905.

Eugenie Fraser herself was brought up in Russia but was taken on visits to Scotland. She marvellously evokes a child's reactions to two totally different environments, sets of customs and family backgrounds, while the characters are beautifully drawn and splendidly memorable.

With the events of 1914 to 1920 - the war with Germany, the Revolution, the murder of the Tsar and the withdrawal of the Allied Intervention in the north - came the disintegration of Russia and of family life. The stark realities of hunger, deprivation and fear are sharply contrasted with the adventures of childhood. The reader shares the family's suspense and concern about the fates of its members and relives with Eugenie her final escape to Scotland.

In The House by the Dvina, Eugenie Fraser has vividly and poignantly portrayed a way of life that finally disappeared in violence and tragedy.

What I thought:

I have always been fascinated by the Russian history and particularly the events leading to its revolution. This beautifully written autobiography will capture your imagination with its romance and dramatic developments. 

And it all starts with the author's great grandfather purchasing a peasant girl with whom he had fallen in love..

.

To note: the book includes many photos to recapture a world gone by!

One of the best books I have read lately and rating 5 stars!!

The Casual Vacancy by J.K. Rowling

• ISBN-13: 978-0316228589

Synopsis:

A big novel about a small town...
When Barry Fairbrother dies in his early forties, the town of Pagford is left in shock.
Pagford is, seemingly, an English idyll, with a cobbled market square and an ancient abbey, but what lies behind the pretty façade is a town at war.
Rich at war with poor, teenagers at war with their parents, wives at war with their husbands, teachers at war with their pupils...Pagford is not what it first seems.
And the empty seat left by Barry on the parish council soon becomes the catalyst for the biggest war the town has yet seen. Who will triumph in an election fraught with passion, duplicity, and unexpected revelations?
The Casual Vacancy is J.K. Rowling's first novel for adults. It is the work of a storyteller like no other.

My thoughts:

I purchased this novel during a lengthy layover (that's what happens when you miss your flight!) and thought the story to be about Pagford, an idyllic village with colourful characters strolling amongst their cobbled market square, tending their little gardens etc...One look at the cover and I thought I was on a good thing...

Far from being the page turner I expected this one was disappointing. In fact it was hard to get into it and at 639 pages, more than I wanted to read. Those who are fans of the author and her work might well appreciate it but I can only declare it 'not my cup of tea'. I never bothered reading the Harry Potter series and fell asleep not one but twice through the movie...

To be noted: A movie was made of the book starring none other than the talented Michael Gambon so my suggestion is try that instead, it might make more sense!

I'll rate this one 3 stars!

Happy reading!

Sabotaged by Dani Pettrey, Book review

• Series: Alaskan Courage (Book 5)
• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (February 3, 2015)
• ISBN-13: 978-0764211966
• Also available in KINDLE format

SYNOPSIS:


Finally Returned Home, Reef McKeena
Finds His Beloved Alaska Facing Its Greatest ThreatGrowing up, goody-two-shoes Kirra Jacobs and troublemaker Reef McKenna were always at odds. Now, working together as search-and-rescue for Alaska's arduous Iditarod race, a growing attraction seems to be forcing aside old arguments. Then Reef catches Kirra sneaking from camp in the middle of the night. 

Kirra's uncle, a musher in the race, has disappeared. Kirra and Reef quickly track the man, but what they discover is harrowing: Frank's daughter has been kidnapped. Kirra and Reef, along with the entire McKenna family, are thrown into a race to stop a shadowy villain who is not only threatening a girl's life--but appears willing to unleash one of the largest disasters Alaska has ever seen. 


My thoughts:

From the Winner of the 2014 Daphne du Maurier Award for Inspirational Romantic Suspense, Sabotaged is a book you will want to check if you are looking for something to read and relax with!

Dani Pettrey delivers a tale of romance, true love, danger and intrigue and a reminder that God's promises are an undeniable reality in her latest novel. 
You will learn much about the Iditarod, its organization and the many volunteers who dedicate their time and skills to make this amazing race safe yet exciting! Amongst those are our protagonists Kirra Jacobs and Reef McKenna, both members of SAR (Search and Rescue), a vital part of the race as teams and mushers depend on their skills when lost or hurt.

Dangerous times begins when Kirra's uncle disappears then her cousin turns up missing and is believed kidnapped during the race. Both rescuers and the rest of the Reef family are soon involved in discovering why the two young people are being tracked by an assassin.

Heroes, villains and dark secrets mingle with a reminder that when you take the time to listen God will always show you the right path.

After enjoying Shattered  this past year I knew I would enjoy Pettrey' skillful storytelling and I was not disappointed! Entertaining and written with a special eye to details, I appreciate the subtle Christian reminders making this a read for all ages.

5 Stars!


Meet the Author:

A wife, homeschooling Mum and author, Dani Pettrey writes inspirational romantic suspense and she is a huge fan of dark chocolate (my kind of gal!). She loves traveling and the great outdoors (something you quickly realize when reading her novels!).

For more information check her website (HERE)


Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book courtesy of BETHANY HOUSE as part of the series promotion. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own. 

The Sea Garden by Deborah Lawrenson, Book review

Hardcover: 320 pages

Publisher: Harper (June 24, 2014)

ISBN-13: 978-0062279668

Also available in KINDLE format

SYNOPSIS:

Romance, suspense, and World War II mystery are woven together in three artfully linked novellas—rich in drama and steeped in atmosphere—from the critically acclaimed author of The Lantern.

The Sea Garden

On the lush Mediterranean island of Porquerolles off the French coast, Ellie Brooke, an award-winning British landscape designer, has been hired to restore a memorial garden. Unsettled by its haunted air and the bitterness of the garden’s owner, an elderly woman who seems intent on undermining her, Ellie finds that her only ally on the island is an elusive war historian. . . .

The Lavender Field

Near the end of World War II, Marthe Lincel, a young blind woman newly apprenticed at a perfume factory in Nazi-occupied Provence, finds herself at the center of a Resistance cell. When tragedy strikes, she faces the most difficult choice of her life . . . and discovers a breathtaking courage she never expected.

A Shadow Life

Iris Nightingale, a junior British intelligence officer in wartime London, falls for a French agent. But after a secret landing in Provence results in terrible Nazi reprisals, he vanishes. When France is liberated, Iris is determined to uncover the truth. Was he the man he claimed to be?

Ingeniously interconnected, this spellbinding triptych weaves three parallel narratives into one unique tale of love, mystery, and murder. The Sea Garden is a vivid and absorbing chronicle of love and loss in the fog of war—and a penetrating and perceptive examination of the impulses and circumstances that shape our lives.

My thoughts:

I have traveled a lot these last few weeks and had ample opportunities to read during those long lay overs. Unfortunately not all I chose to read gave me much satisfaction therefore it was with some relief I found this title awaiting my return, a definite improvement!

As a journalist Deborah Lawrenson is no newcomer to the world of writing and in THE SEA GARDEN delivers a pleasant 3 part novellas which as you will find are tied to one of the most beautiful places in this world, Provence. 

I cannot say I have ever met anyone who has not enjoyed the wonderful array of colours, the unforgettable scenery and the truly unique scents of Provence. Such is my own memory of it that I can hear the cicadas, feel the heat of the sun whilst my palate remembers only too well the rich sharpness of the food. 

Lawrenson shares her home betwixt Kent and yes, you guess it, Provence and has learned to listen to the locals and their remembrance of times gone by, when men and women pledged to fight for their freedom whatever the cost.

Resistance was strong in the south of Provence and this story is set against Partisans' activities in The Calanques. 
Don't miss the author's notes to learn more about the region's historical background and her many sources, they are excellent.

From The Sea Garden to The Lavender Field on to A Shadow Life, Lawrenson paints a bittersweet story of love and loss as often lived in wartime, and brings just what these long winter evenings demands, entertainment. 
I can also tell you that if the first installment seemed stilled, the second engaged my attention and I found the third to be most gratifying.

Copacetic, well manicured (perhaps a tad too much) I found the three novellas satisfying if not stimulating.

4 Stars!

(Porquerolles island - photo source Google)

Meet the Author:

1. 
   
2. Deborah Lawrenson is a British novelist and journalist. She was educated at Blackheath High School, The British School of Brussels and Eastbourne College, and read English at Trinity College, Cambridge.
3. For more information visit her website (HERE)

1. 
   

Note: This was a library loan and any opinion reflected is entirely my own!

The Christmas Cat by Melody Carlson, Book review

• Hardcover: 176 pages
• Publisher: Revell (September 9, 2014)
• ISBN-13: 978-0800719661
• Also available in KINDLE format

SYNOPSIS:


After years abroad, Garrison Brown returns home to Vancouver to build a new life. When his beloved grandmother passes away a few weeks before Christmas, Garrison goes to her house to sort out her belongings, including six cats who need new homes. While Garrison hopes to dispense with the task quickly, his grandmother's instructions don't allow for speed. She has left Garrison with some challenging requirements for the future homes of her furry friends--plus a sizeable monetary gift for the new owners. Garrison's job is to match the cats with the right owners without disclosing the surprise gift. Along the way, he may just meet someone who can make him stay.

Humorous and heartwarming, this latest Christmas story from bestselling author Melody Carlson is the perfect gift for pet lovers and anyone in whose heart Christmas holds a special place.


My thoughts:

Anyone familiar with The Christmas Wish and The Christmas Pony will remember Melody Carlson's special touch of magic when it comes to the Season. This author writes wholeheartedly and brings a message of love, hope and yes, something magical. 

And if like me, you are an animal lover, you will find her story endearing for this one is about a familiar pet, a feline! And just look at the cover and you will know this is not just another cat, but The Cat! 

Returning from his missionary field in Uganda, Garrison faces the loss of his grandmother only to be told by her attorney she trusted him to find a suitable adoptive family for each of her cats, all six of them!

There is only one problem with the scheme devised by his beloved Grandmother: Garrison is highly allergic to cats and living in her home until such families can be found is tantamount to hell on earth. Very shortly, we find that Garrison resorts to wearing latex gloves, a mask and is considering a hazmat suit to boot!
But despite it all, Garrison founds himself caring for the felines, each of them with its endearing personality, including Harry, a Maine Coon with striking clear eyes who seems to gaze right through him. 

Melody Carlson's sense of humour reveals itself as you go on reading the story which is not only the perfect Christmas story, particularly for any cat lover, but sports just the right amount of introspection, a touch of romance and is easy to read!
Expect a clear message, just in time for the Season while reading this one in front of a good fire and sipping a cuppa!

A heartfelt thank you to the author for providing great entertainment and to Revell, for once again presenting it in such a beautiful format!

5 Stars!

(Photo source HERE: I think you love the snapshots)

Meet the Author:

Melody Carlson has written around 200 books for teens, women and children. That's a lot of books, but mostly she considers herself a "storyteller." Her books range from serious issues like schizophrenia (Finding Alice) to lighter topics like house-flipping (A Mile in My Flip-Flops) but most of the inspiration behind her fiction comes right out of real life. 

Her young adult novels (Diary of a Teenage Girl, TrueColors etc.) appeal to teenage girls around the world. Her annual Christmas novellas become more popular each year. She's won a number of awards (including the Rita and Gold Medallion) and some of her books have been optioned for film/TV.

Visit her website (HERE)

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from BAKER REVELL as part of it's promotion. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.