Latest review is Alice Bliss by Laura Harrington

I was lucky to be asked to review a copy of this lovely book. Here are my thoughts -

Alice Bliss by Laura Harrington

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

jaffa's rating 4paws

Matt Bliss is a reservist in the American army, and when he is called to fight in Iraq, he tries to prepare his family for the possibility of life without him. Alice Bliss is fifteen; she idolises her father, loves dancing with him, and plans their garden with him, and with great awareness she tries to keep from imagining a life without him. With wisdom beyond her years, Alice tries to keep her family together without the presence of the father she adores.
The story begins rather slowly, we get to know Alice and her family, we laugh with them, and ultimately we cry with them. There are some lovely characters interspersed within the story, Gram, Henry and Uncle Eddie, all add richness to the text, and help lighten the gloom. When the family get the news that Matt is missing in action, the story really begins to evolve into a perceptive analysis of love and loss.
Overall, I thought that the story was quite nicely written, as with quiet dignity Laura Harrington has managed to explore the sensitive topic of military loss in a tender and realistic way. There are some beautiful one-liners within the narrative which will stay with me for a long time.

I enjoyed reading it and will recommend it to my friends.

Taken from the book -

" You asked me what I miss....

You. I'll begin and end with you "

Therapy Blanket...

I've just finished Knitting my therapy blanket - I find the whole process of knitting almost as therapeutic as reading - and I can listen to my favourite audio books at the same time - which means I get the best of both worlds.

I'm a great fan of Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series - I read the first book way back in 1991 - it's hard to believe that this time travelling story was started 20 years ago !!

Whilst I've been knitting this blanket, I have listened to Voyager by Diana Gabaldon - which is Book three in the series - I've read these books so many times but this is the first time I've listened to them, and I am amazed at how much I missed, and how different the story is when read to by someone else. The actress, Davina Porter, is the excellent narrator - she must have the patience of a saint to read every word with such precision. I always thought that Jamie Fraser would sound a bit like the Scottish TV presenter, Neil Oliver - but I'm amazed at how close Davina can get with her rendition of a Scottish highlander !!

~***~

My latest review book is Deliverance from Evil by Frances Hill

Deliverance From Evil: A Novel of the Salem Witch Trials by Frances Hill

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

jaffa's rating 3paws

Deliverance from Evil is a meticulously researched and intricately written fictional account of the Salem witch trials of 1692. The author, historian, Frances Hill, has used her expert knowledge to bring to life a town steeped in superstition, and grievous rumour.

The story opens with two girls playing at fortune telling, they little realise what repercussions their actions will have, as soon an evil miasma pervades the town, and friends and neighbours are betrayed and subjected to horrific speculation.

Initially, I found the book difficult to read, there are an abundance of characters, and trying to place them within the story becomes a bit tedious, so much so, I nearly gave up. Not liking to admit defeat I continued, and found that the book started to become more interesting about half way through, and from then on I enjoyed it. I’ve read a few novels about the Salem witch trials, and whilst this isn’t up there with my favourites, I can acknowledge that the author certainly knows her subject very well, and has recounted the story in a different and slightly more academic way.

I have reviewed this book for http://www.newbooksmag.com/index.php

He's not for moving....

Jaffa is a very discerning shopper and only likes bags that are biodegradable.....he's been like that for hours so he's obviously very comfy....

Jaffa in a bag....

Sometimes reading gets too much for Jaffa and he likes to snooze in a bag......!!

Kindlefest...

Whilst taking advantage of some super Kindle bargain offers on Amazon.co.uk, I managed to get several books from my wishlist....

Here's what I got :

Whatever you love by Louise Doughty

Witness by Cath Staincliffe

Why don't you come for me - Diane Janes

These Things hidden - Helen Gudenkauf

The Summer Season by Julia Williams

Which means that I've got lots of lovely reading for over the summer ......

That got me thinking about wish lists and I realised that I had several on the go - all with different books...

My Amazon wishlist is for those books I would really like to have as presents, or for when I have a bit of extra cash to treat myself...

My Good reads wishlist is for those books I would like to have but there's no rush to get them...

My Bookmooch wishlist is for books I will mooch when they crop up - these are usually harder to get books, older books, and books that are only available in the USA...

My Readitswapit wishlist is for the more popular books, usually from the R&J and TV book clubs, or books that risi forum members have recommended...

I think that just about covers everything !!...

Rabbits, Rabbits, Rabbits....

Well - it's the first of July, and I wonder how many people have woken up with their fingers crossed and repeating rabbits, rabbits, rabbits......??

This good luck charm at the start of the month is something I have done since I was a little girl and I always remember ...according to wiki I'm not the only one to do it !

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rabbit_rabbit

Have a Happy July everyone......