This was such a heartwarming read. It is told through the alternating voices of Eloise and her daughter Valentina. Eloise had to leave Valentina when she was a child and it is only after Eloise’s death that Valentina can discover what happens. We are taken through Valentina’s healing journey as she takes over her mother’s bookshop in London. The love of community, friends and books shone through the story.
This was a delight to read over a wet, wintry weekend. Kevin usually attends trivia as a one-man team, but for the first time he joins another team and meets Maggie. Through their voices and those of Kevin’s sister and nephew we discover their stories over the 12 week trivia competition. The story is about the labels we give ourselves and each other, how those labels play out in social situations and of course love!
A delightful little book; heartwarming and funny. Indeed, some of the weird things said make you despair for the future of humanity, but the very existence of bookshops (and libraries, of course) give hope! For fans of Shaun Bythell (this came first, and is less curmudgeonly) and all things bookish.
I picked this as a feel-good Christmas read. Plenty of snow, food, decoration, and the gentle healing of restorative relationships. A sweet read for dreaming of northern hemisphere Christmas-time.
Four and a half stars for this bittersweet, funny, and heart-warming book. Twelve year-old Norman Foreman lives in Cornwall with his mum, and his best friend, Jax, has just died. Norman and Jax were a comedy duo with plans to perform at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, when Norman wants to go alone, and to find his Dad, Sadie and her elderly friend Leonard, take him on a road trip. Thoroughly lovely characters, and plenty of action, it’s a story about giving life your all.
Macon Leary writes travel guides for businessmen who want to travel without feeling like they have left home. He is methodical, logical, controlled, and then his wife leaves him, and his life is changed by a young, impulsive, dog trainer. While I never got over the man’s name (it rhymes with bacon!) I really enjoyed this slow, gentle story about who we are, who we want to be, and the power of connection. I listened to the audio version, and thought it well done, though had I been reading it myself, I’d have gone for a soft c in Macon!
There are all sorts of ways you can describe this book; memoir, philosophy, science, self-help. It is extensively researched, deeply personal, quietly faithful, and full of hope. Julia Baird is a woman has experienced some very dark times, and has a thirst for understanding how and why people keep going, and shine from within. It is a very practical book, easy to read, with many tips for living a meaningful, strong, community, and kindness-filled life.
Heath McKenzie is one of my all time favourite authors and illustrators!!! Do you have a child scared to let their talents shine? Read about how Arthur overcomes his shyness to share his love of music. This book might help children, and adults too, get over the what-if nobody likes what I like fears! I’m sure we can all relate to Heath McKenzie’s story, told with his typical bright and colourful illustrations! I loved exploring the different types of animals. I think I saw a longhorn, a llama, a gazelle and a little Scottie dog as Arthur bravely stepped out disguised as a letter box to play his violin in public, scared nobody would like his music. There is so much to do with this book for all ages. Enjoy it as a picture book with toddlers. With older children we can discuss Arthur’s feelings. We can also talk about the wonderful things about ourselves that we can share and what we hope to learn from others. Don’t forget to put Heath McKenzie on your TO READ WITH THE KIDS LIST.
Anthony collects lost things, catalogues them in the hope of finding his lost object. In his will he leaves the task to his assistant Laura. The story did not quite take the route I expected it too, but this did not spoil my enjoyment. Lots of offbeat characters (including a ghost) that worked well together. A gentle, quirky read.
Cassie feeds some fox cubs behind her flats in London, though the adults tell her not to. One night, she follows her favourite fox, and finds herself at the Frost Fair on the Thames, in the 17th century. Its a sweet, very simple tale about kindness and a little magic.
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