The Rose Garden by Susanna Kearsley

I recently re-discovered this author - having read one of her earlier books many years ago - I am now pleased that she is continuing to produce really good stories.

Can't wait for the next one ....

The Rose Garden by Susanna Kearsley

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
jaffa's rating: 5paws - he loves a good smuggler story- all that swash and buckle !

When Eva's sister Katrina dies, Eva returns to Trelowarth in Cornwall to her childhood friends, Mark and Susan. Whilst staying in this safe haven, Eva becomes immersed in the past, and finds that she can slip through time, and go back to the 18c. She soon becomes involved in the story of Jack and Daniel Butler, and to a time when Trelowarth was home to a bunch of Jacobite smugglers, and when danger lurked on every corner.

This is a very cleverly constructed dual time story , with each section perfectly believable and blending perfectly within the narrative. The author, Susanna Kearsley has this genre very much conquered - each book is a joy to read.

Highly recommended.

Here are her books so far :

The Shadowy Horses

Mariana

The Splendour Falls

Named of the Dragon

Season of Storms

Every Secret Thing

The Winter Sea/ Sophia's Secret

The Rose Garden

Keeping it local...

I had a lovely morning at a local farmer's market, and was able to stock up on good quality local produce, including my favourite toiletries which are hand made by Tiger Muffin Soaps. I've given so many gifts of these little soaps - they have travelled all over the UK. My favourites are the lovely soothing Lavender, and the Rose Geranium.

Looking at the crafts on offer at the market, I was inspired to try my hand at Felting - I love to design and knit bags -so to add another dimension would be a really useful skill, and something to concentrate on over Winter.....and it's a great excuse to go and look for a local pure wool stockist.

Jaffa loves wool and never harms my knitting, however, his friend Timmy who visits regularly tends to treat wool with suspicion, and would attack it given half a chance -

Happy Sunday everyone..

A Leaf on the Wind of All Hallows

Sheer indulgence but well worth a read if you are a Diana Gabaldon fan

Songs of Love and Death: All-Original Tales of Star-Crossed Love by George R.R. Martin

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

jaffa's rating 5paws - closing his eyes.... and saying - "not another Outlander book -"

I only acquired a copy of the tales of Star Crossed Love because I wanted to read the novella A Leaf on the Wind of All Hallows by Diana Gabaldon.

If you are familiar with the Outlander series - you will understand the need to find out just a little bit more about some of the minor characters.

This is Jerry McKenzie's story - he's Roger's father - and was lost during WW2 when his spitfire crashed and burned.

It's a beautifully evocative story, perfectly capturing the essence of London in the blitz, and the sheer horror of finding yourself in the wrong time and place.

For those who have read Echo in the Bone - it provides a few more clues....

It could have happened.....

Reviewed for newbooks magazine

I was delighted to be given a copy of this book to review for newbooksmag

Blow on a Dead Man's Embers by Mari Strachan

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

jaffa's rating 5 paws

When Non Davies's husband, Davey,returns from the Great War, she is relieved to have him home in one piece, and yet Davey bears the unseen scars of war, and still lives with the horror of the trenches. Non must use all her skills, and do what must be done in order to keep her family together.

This quietly understated book is a delight to read, the story gripped me from its opening chapter, and kept me enthralled until its emotional conclusion. There is an underlying strength which comes from fine writing, great attention to detail, and the author’s natural ability to tell a good story.

Read it if you can.

Great reading with my Alphabet Authors....

I'm always keen to vary my reading with simple challenges - this is my 2011 Alphabet challenge - it's an attempt to cover every letter of the alphabet with a different author.

Anything goes - all have been great reads !!

A = Started early, took my dog by Kate Atkinson

B = Too Close to Home by Linwood Barclay

C = The Stonehenge Legacy by Sam Christer

D = The Secrets Between Us by Louise Douglas

E =

F = Fall of Giants by Ken Follett

G = Leaf on the Wind of All Hallows by Diana Gabaldon

H = The Hummingbird and the Baer by Nicholas Hogg

I =

J = A Hidden Affair by Pam Jenoff

K = The Forgotten Legion by Ben Kane

L = Catching the Tide by Judith Lennox

M =The Gallow's Curse by Karen Maitland

N = The Summer House by Mary Nichold

O =The Hand that First Held Mine by Maggie O'Farrell

P = Private Lives by Tasmina Perry

Q= Mistress of Rome by Kate Quinn

R = Chasing Fire by Nora Roberts

S = Blow on a Dead Man's Embers by Mari Strachan

T =Crimson China by Betsy Tobin

U =

V =

W = The Homecoming of Samuel Lake by Jenny Wingfield

X =

Y =We all Ran into the Sunlight by Natalie Young

Z =

As you can see there are still a few letters still to cover - I'm working on it

The Sandalwood Tree by Elle Newmark

I was delighted to be given the chance to read this book as part of the Transworld Book Group Reading Challenge -

I’m part of the Transworld Book Group!’

The Sandalwood Tree by Elle Newmark

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

jaffa's rating 5paws - he loved Spike !

Like a jewel in India’s crown, this beautifully written historical novel layers together a multifaceted story of love, loss, hope and redemption. The first part of the book opens in 1947, and we follow the story of Evie and Martin Mitchell, who, together with their five year old son Billy, settle into the Indian village of Masoorla. Martin, traumatised by an event he witnessed in WW2, is hoping to find resolution by researching Indian life for a thesis on the politics of modern India. Meanwhile, Evie is left to tend to Billy, and to their small rented bungalow, which she is determined to manage with the minimum of servants. Whilst cleaning out the old kitchen, Evie discovers a bundle of letters written by two emancipated Victorian ladies, who corresponded during the 1850’s. With little else to occupy her time, Evie soon becomes immersed in the story of Adela Winfield, and Felicity Chadwick. The Victorian element to the story focuses on the relationship between Adela and Felicity, and takes us from their shared childhood in England, through to the time they spent together sharing the bungalow in Masoorla. Victorian social traditions are expertly captured, revealing bigotry, racism, and devastating hardship, and yet there is an overwhelming sense of continuity, as piece by piece, Evie is able to uncover a story which reveals the power of love against adversity.

From the beginning of this book I was enchanted with the sights, sounds and smells of India; all are beautifully described, and perfectly represent time and place. The switch between the dual time elements is seamless and absorbing, as both stories capture the imagination perfectly. The history of India is explained with great precision and empathy, and whilst the politics are complicated and shocking, nothing is allowed to detract from the stark beauty of this troubled landscape.

Elle Newmark has produced a warm and satisfying novel which captivates and enthrals from the opening page. It kept me reading long into the night, and is definitely one of those books I will recommend to my friends.

I was saddened to learn that Elle Newmark died in July this year, her exceptional writing talent will be sadly missed.

I am sure that her lasting legacy will live on in her books.

So excited...

Jaffa and I are so excited to be taking part in the 2011 Transworld Book Group Reading Challenge

‘I’m part of the Transworld Book Group!’

Here's what we have chosen to read and review over the next few months - can't wait !!

A huge thank you to Transworld for organising such a great challenge.