QUEEN ANNA (Stuart Queens Trilogy Book 1) by @tonyriches #RBRT

 5 out of 5 stars

On Amazon (universal link)
On Goodreads

How I discovered this book: it was submitted to Rosie's Book Review Team, of which I am a member.

In a Nutshell: The life of Anna, wife of James 1 of England.

I so enjoyed this book - particularly fascinating as I know next to nothing about the Stuart era, so I learned much.

Tony Riches portrays Anna as a woman who knew her own mind but was intelligent enough to know when to insist on what she wanted and when to keep quiet.  She felt like something of an 'old soul', even when she was younger; she was probably the best wife the inconstant James could have had.  I felt as though she understood her situation and decided, calmly, to make the best of it.  She never knew true romantic love, but she made up for this with her children, her interests, her friendships.

Of course the book is intricately researched, and I loved the detail about the masques that so absorbed Anna, about the customs of the time.  The novel flows beautifully all the way through, never too much information (I never had the feeling that Riches was writing from his research notes!), and it flows so well - it's a very 'easy read'.

I felt so, so sorry for Anna when she lost her children - Robert, Mary, Sophia and of course, Henry.  In an interview with the author that I read the other day, Riches describes Henry as the 'best king we never had', and that, coupled with what I read about him, made me wonder how we might have fared as a country, had there been a Henry IX.  Anna's failing health was very sad, too - if only she'd taken her doctor's advice early on, and kept away from the wine.

I highly recommend this book for all historical fiction lovers, especially if you're not already versed in the period - and I'm very much looking forward to the next book, about Henrietta, wife of Charles I.  Actually, I can't wait.

GONE LIKE A GOLDFISH by Anonymous

 5 GOLD stars

On Amazon (universal link)

On Goodreads

Blurb from Amazon

Alcoholic novelist Jim Hardwick-Callahan intends to kill himself at the end of one last sex-filled vacation to Japan with his ex-girlfriend, but a death in the family interrupts his plans. As the tragedies pile up and his life falls apart, his teenage twins begin to self-destruct. This anonymously written book is about loss and obsession. It is sad, vulgar, disturbing, and funny.

My Review

Excellent stuff, I loved it.

Jim Hardwick-Callahan deploys hedonism to mask his disappointment with himself, his guilt and pain, and because he really likes sex and drugs.  The temporary buzzes of alcohol, psychedelics, weed, recreational and kinky sex do a good job of masking the emptiness that calls out to him now and again. 

I stayed awake to finish it last night when I needed to sleep, because I was totally absorbed.  Then of course I lay awake thinking about it.  It's that sort of book.  This is a terrific writer, unusually so.  The book was produced in a very short time - this is mentioned in the author's note at the back, which you should definitely read - so I was surprised at how tight it was, such a great structure, spot-on dialogue and detailed labyrinths of inner thought that were sometimes so sad, other times droll, or breezy, or a mixture of all three.  The novel is perfectly paced, with never a wasted word.

Megan, with whom he is in love, is the main female character in that her actress name will appear second in the titles after that of Jim's when they make the film.  She's clever, creative and elusive, and has way too many issues for one person.  Just Jim's type.  

BTW, in case this marks your point of departure.  The Megan bits often contain lots of bad language and sex, some of it quite graphic.  Normally, I would choose not to read that, but I made an exception. It fits the book ... hard to explain.  If Jim had talked/thought/acted in a more delicate way it wouldn't have been Jim, it would have been a far less arresting character.  In other words, none of it is remotely gratuitous.  And it's often funny.

The book features scenes about Jim's father, Pete - I loved reading about him, and Jim's strange brother Cray.  Jim's twins Amanda and Todd are essentially sound kids but are both screwed up in the way only teenagers can be.  Enter ex-wife Pam.  Jim's relationship with her is subtly amusing.  Kind of tired.  The areas of friction are still there, but they've gone limp.  

Then there are the other women, comprising past, present and promising hook-ups.  

As Jim's world starts getting smaller, he becomes trapped in his own head...

Amongst all the grimly entertaining chaos are many threads of introspection, anger, loss and heartbreak laid bare.  A small amount of words that can illustrate the emotion so starkly; at one point I stopped reading in admiration.  'Boy can this guy write' moments were off the charts.  I expect I shall read it again before too long.

It's a snip at 77p, or free on Kindle Unlimited.

THE VERSION THAT SURVIVED by Vera Mercer #RBRT

 4 out of 5 stars

On Amazon (universal link)
On Goodreads

How I discovered this book: it was submitted to Rosie's Book Review Team, of which I am a member.

In a Nutshell: Psychological mystery about grief, guilt and lies

I was most intrigued by this book from the word go - I won't go into the plot as that's in the blurb.  I was struck by how clever the writing was, it flowed so well, and also I loved how the author did not reveal essential detail about the events the book hinged upon - I was thinking, what's going on here?  Happily, the writing was compelling enough to keep me wondering and turning the pages, as the picture came into focus.

Sadly, I did lose interest in the second half, much of which was dialogue between the main character (Nora), and various others, in which they discussed intricate points and details.  It started to feel like a report, rather than a story, which made the drama ebb, somewhat.  I realised then that I wanted to read the actual story from, when the accident took place, with Lydia's rise in real time, as they say.  Her scheming, her manipulation of just about everyone, her need to redeem herself.  She was a fascinating character, and I would have liked to see her in action.  Know more about her.  There is more than one way of telling a story - choosing the right one can be very difficult!

'The reveal' did bring all the threads together, and explain much that went before, with all its implications and long-ranging effects.  The change in character focus really worked.  Completely satisfying end (loved the very last lines), always appreciated.

This is a debut novel, and I wish Vera Mercer all the best in her literary career :)

ABIGAIL TRENCH by Randy Overbeck

 4 out of 5 stars

On Amazon (universal link)
On Goodreads

How I discovered this book: it was submitted to Rosie's Book Review Team, of which I am a member.

In a Nutshell: Intrigue and divided loyalities during the American War of Independence

I found this story fascinating, as I knew little about the American War of Independence - good, well-researched novels can add so much to your historical knowledge of the world.  I hadn't realised this war went on for so long!  At all times, the atmosphere was realistic, with many day to day and small details that were clearly well researched.  The pace was just right, the plot well constructed.

Almost without exception, the British military activity was monstrous. I pictured the characters of all ranks with stained waistcoats stretched over portly stomachs, their noses red from drinking, their eyes dead and flat; they were horribly real!  In contrast, Washington's men, and every ragged pick-pocketer on the side of the rebels, had hearts of gold and courage.  But that wasn't a problem; I am sure many Reeves and Hollisters existed at the time, and I loved the character of Jamie (ragged pick-pocketer).  I have read a bit about the prison ships where the British incarcerated rebel prisoners, and the author has not exaggerated a bit.  The treatment of those poor men and boys was horrific.

I was slightly bothered by the English using American words and phrases (only a couple), and expressions too modern for the time, also the use of the word 'black' with a capital letter, whenever a servant was mentioned.  I realise this is a mark of respect for black people and their servitude of those days, but it felt out of place in this novel.

All in all, this is a book well worth reading.  Abigail is a fine heroine who you want to see have a happy ending, and ditto the Monteiths and Molly.  Most of all, though, I loved the detail about Washington's spy ring.  

COURAGE: Tales of History, Mystery and Hope by Judith Arnopp, Annie Whitehead, Anna Belfrage, Cathie Dunn, Helen Hollick and others

 5 GOLD stars 

On Amazon (universal link)

On Goodreads

How I discovered this book: I saw it advertised pre-release, expressed interest, and one of the authors was kind enough to offer me a review copy :)

In a Nutshell: A collection of stories spanning an almost 2000 year time period, on the subject of great courage under adverse circumstances 

*

This is what you want from a collection: not one weak story.  These 15 tales of courage in the most adverse circumstances are all excellent, every one a winner.  They're presented in chronological order, from Roman times to the present day, and take place in various settings around the world.  Here's a short overview of my favourites.  Purely subjective, of course - time and place has so much to do with this.  Show me England in the middle ages or occupied Europe in WW2, and I'm all over it!

Siflede by Judith Arnopp: London 1066, when the residents of Southwark must fight or flee the Norman invasion.  Judith is one of my most-read authors and this story was no disappointment.

Daisy Chain by Annie Whitehead: a mother's grief, on the road in 12th Century England. Nothing like a good 'road' story, no matter when it's set, and this shows early medieval times in all its dank glory.

Stepping Between by Anna Belfrage: Ludlow Castle 1308.  A young man finds his way out of a nightmare homelife.  I hadn't read Anna Belfrage before, and liked this very much.

The Portrait's Secret by Amy Maroney: a fascinating look at the world of portrait artists in Paris, 1536.  I love stories like this that describe an aspect of life I know virtually nothing about.  Reminded me of The Silk Code by Deborah Swift, for this reason.

Legacy by Jean Gill: Tudor England, 1558.  An honest man blows the whistle on a member of the aristocracy, and pays the price... heartbreaking yet uplifting!

A Sack of Potatoes by Antoine Vanner: the Netherlands, 1954, though most of it is set ten years earlier.  Brilliant story about two women who travel through occupied territory simply to find food.  I wanted it to be a whole book.  What those people endured... you hear that in the war the people of *insert name of country* were starving, but this really brought it home to me what that actually means.

A special mention for The Gate by Elizabeth St John, the last line of which made my mouth drop open.  No clues, you'll have to read it. :)

The book is beautifully presented, with Author's Notes that add interest every time.  Highly recommended, and thank you!

DRIVEN BY DECEIT by Georgia Rose @GeorgiaRoseBook

 4.5 out of 5 stars

On Amazon (universal link)

On Goodreads

How I discovered this book: I'd read the other books in the series so I knew it was coming!

In a Nutshell: Crazy woman moves into a village and causes mayhem

Driven by Deceit is the 5th book in the series A Shade Darker, an everyday story of country life in the fictional village of Melton, which enjoys more than its fair share of drama and colourful characters.

Laura runs a stable, and lives a fairly happy, quiet life, until a certain person from her past appears out of the blue, and causes a stir.  Soon, Laura and her friends are drawn into a the dark, deceptive web of Ms Cecelia Clark.  But why is she there?  What is she up to?

Cecelia is certainly a larger than life character and I enjoyed reading about her machinations - the story is a cracking yarn with never a dull moment!  

I always appreciate the structure of Georgia Rose's books; she knows exactly when to reveal the right amount of backstory to keep you interested.  I also very much liked the horse stuff - I know nothing of the equine world, so found the detail about how the stable was run, etc, most interesting.

I look forward to the next book!

FOIL by Evan Klonsky #RBRT

 4 out of 5 stars

On Amazon (universal link)
On Goodreads

How I discovered this book: it was submitted to Rosie's Book Review Team, of which I am a member.

In a Nutshell: Human drama exploring many psychological issues of the current day.

At Penn Station, New York, a man called Sam sees what he believes to be a young man wearing a suicide vest, about to blow the place sky high.  Out of nowhere, Sam finds the courage to stop this from happening by wrestling the younger man, Xander, into submission, in a far more brutal fashion than was perhaps necessary.

The aftermath of these events forms the basis of the story, with stark illustration of how the actions of one can affect many.

The first thing that struck me about this book was how totally screwed up, self-absorbed and self-indulgent the characters are - I couldn't say I liked any of them.  Audrey came across as cold and selfish, Sam as rather sweet, childlike, almost, but alarmingly superficial, and poor Holly as an emotional mess, for good reason.  Maybe it's simply the world we live in these days.  This is not, incidentally, a criticism; the author portrayed all the characters so well, and I don't need to like a character to want to read about them.  I was particularly impressed by a minor player called Ainsley, who fancies himself as a Shaman - I loved the scene that comprised him, Sam and Sam's friend Gelb.  Excellent piece of writing.

The story is engaging and unusual, and I couldn't work out how it might develop.  Evan Klonsky is a jolly good writer, and this is a highly competent first novel in which he captures so well this current age.  I was a little disappointed by how the plot simmered down towards the end; I was expecting more 'events', but it's nothing if not realistic, and other readers may love the last ten per cent for this reason alone.

I'm sure this author has an interesting future ahead!

THE ENEMY'S WIFE by Deborah Swift @swiftstory

 5 out of 5 stars

On Amazon (universal link)

On Goodreads

How I discovered this book:  I have read every single book by only one author, and it's Deborah Swift, so I was waiting for it!

In a Nutshell: WWII drama, set mostly in Shanghai.  Book 2 of a series but completely stand-alone.

******

Blurb from Amazon

1941. When Zofia’s beloved husband Haru is conscripted into the Imperial Japanese Army, she is left to navigate Japanese-occupied Shanghai alone.

Far from home and surrounded by a country at war, Zofia finds unexpected comfort in a bond with Hilly, a spirited young refugee escaping Nazi-occupied Austria.

As violence tightens its grip on the city, they seek shelter with Theo, Zofia’s American employer. But with every passing day, the horrors of war and Haru’s absence begin to reshape Zofia’s world – and her heart.

Can she still love someone who has become the enemy?

******

My Review

I was as gripped by this book as I expected to be after reading its prequel, Last Train to Freedom.  The Enemy's Wife is completely stand-alone, as I, with the memory of a goldfish, can confirm.

I was particularly impressed by the structure and pacing - so smooth, and such an indication of the author's talent.  Getting it right is an art, and Deborah Swift is a maestro.

One aspect I found most interesting was the psychological effects of the horror of war.  That sounds a tad simplistic, but in this book the horror is all too real.  So many aspects came to life - the hell that changes the minds of men, the pointless and brutal loss of life, the erasure of communities, the lack of concern for ordinary people, the hunger, the restrictions, the constant sting of fear.

Most interesting of all, to me, was the stark illustration of the effects of the Japanese war machine on its own soldiers.  The swiftness with which fear changes the mindset into obedience, in itself an intended result of the psyop.  It made me think of much that is going on in the world now, and the escalation that is imminently possible.

On a lighter note, my favourite character was Theo until near the end, when it became Wu.  Hero!

If this genre is your thing, I highly recommend this book and its prequel.  

THE SIGNAL by Luke Voss #RBRT

 5 out of 5 stars

On Amazon (universal link)
On Goodreads

How I discovered this book: it was submitted to Rosie's Book Review Team, of which I am a member.

In a Nutshell: The sinister reality of 'collaborating' with AI in the workplace...

This is such a good book. It's well written, the characters clearly defined, the plot intricate and convincing, and Luke Voss clearly knows his subject inside out, and uses some nice turns of phrase. 

At a company called Nexus Technologies, workers are being 'transitioned', as their roles are taken over by the AI system, ARIA.  It's been introduced gradually, stealthily, so at first the staff believe that ARIA will be used in a 'collaborative' sense, as a tool to help them.  The myth is that it will take over time-consuming tasks, in order that the human workforce may have more time to be creative, to use their individual skills.  Over time, though, ARIA's ever-expanding capabilities means these skills are becoming surplus to requirements.

Some customers, for whom those in Maya Chen's department create publicity and marketing strategies, believe that they are corresponding with human beings, when actually they're talking to AI.

Sound familiar?  We all know how frustrating it is to contact 'customer services' departments, only to find that it is impossible to either email, message or speak to an actual person.  This book is like a warning from the very near future, in which workers lives, education, experience and service to a company no longer matter, because AI can do it better.  Or can it?  This is what Maya and her former colleagues Marcus and Donna are determined to address.

As well as the replacement, The Signal shows how difficult (though not impossible) it is to maintain contact with anyone outside one's own home, without AI knowing all about it.  How everything we do online is tracked and stored.  How the only way to have a truly private conversation is face to face - that's if you can arrange it in the first place, without giving away your location.

As a thriller it's low-key, with a lot of technical information - however, this is necessary, as it is the author's knowledge of his subject that makes the story believable.

I look forward to what comes next!

We're Sinking But Not Tonight by Torgeir Higraff with Randy Green #RBRT

5 out of 5 stars

On Amazon (universal link)
On Goodreads

How I discovered this book: it was submitted to Rosie's Book Review Team, of which I am a member.

In a Nutshell: An account of Torgeir Higraff's Kon-Tiki 2 Expedition 

I enjoyed this book a great deal, having an endless fascination for real life adventures of this magnitude; I think it's something about getting away from 'normal' life and seeing what one is made of that appeals.  Torgeir Higraff's aim was to re-enact the famous voyage of Thor Heyerdahl's balsa raft Kon-Tiki, but this time to do the return journey as well: from Peru to Easter Island and back again.

Both Higraff and Heyerdahl were keen to discover the origins of the Polynesian population, who also travelled by balsa raft over a thousand years ago; the aim was to see if the journeys back and forth were possible.  In this book, Higraff gives much historical detail which is most absorbing; aside from the ancient, he also talks about other raft voyages - I very much enjoyed chapter sixteen.

The rest of the book addresses the birth of the idea, the struggle for sponsorship and necessary permits, the actual building of the raft, and, of course, the voyage itself.  The storms.  The loss of vital supplies and deterioration of the logs and ropes that plagued them throughout.  However, the book is cheerful in tone, and Higraff talks a lot about his fellow sailors, both on Tupac and the sister raft, Rahiti.  The relationships between, their vastly different personalities and skills.

It's a highly readable book and I enjoyed it throughout.  During the time I was reading it, I watched the 2012 film based on Heyerdahl's voyage, Kon-Tiki, partly to give me a better understanding of the mechanics of inhabiting and sailing via raft.  If you're interested, click HERE for more about it, including trailers and where to watch.  I also looked at Torgeir's site - click on any of the photos and you can flick through all of them, they're great!  It's HERE

THE LAST QUEEN by Gemma Lawrence @TudorTweep

 4.5 out of 5 stars

On Amazon (universal link)

On   Goodreads

How I discovered this book: a favourite author

In a Nutshell: Book 1 of the Chronicles of Cleopatra

I was surprised by this new book by Gemma Lawrence, as at first glance it seems like a world away from her other historical fiction, which is, in the main, English, European, Tudor, Plantagenet, Saxon and Norman. 

Then I began to read it and saw that, of course, it's not a world away, at all.  Amongst those who rule kingdoms, the story will always be about manipulation, danger, betrayal, alliances and moral issues.  This book covers the early part of Cleopatra's life about which, as the author states in the notes at the end of the book, very little is known.  The way Ms Lawrence has imagined it was entirely convincing, and I liked reading all the factual information contained in the earlier part of the book, as it concerns a place, time and culture about which I knew nothing at all.

A fascinating start to what I'm sure will be another excellent series.

FOOTNOTES: The History behind the Novels by Judith Arnopp @juditharnopp

 5 out of 5 stars

On Amazon (universal link)
On Goodreads

How I discovered this book: Saw it on X, big fan of this author

In a Nutshell: A selection of articles that give background information about the subject matter of the author's novels

In the introduction Judith Arnopp apologises for any repetition in this collection of blog posts and articles from previous years, as her books were in progress.  Yes, there was some repetition, but it didn't matter to me, because so many of the articles were fascinating.  

The chapter about the Mary Rose made me think, 'I have to see this', to the extent that I've looked up the site and trains, and asked my sister if she fancies taking the trip with me.  The one about Harlech Castle and Owain Glyndŵr made me want to read a book about the subject.  'The Mysterious Death of King William II' ensured that The Forest Dwellers will be the next book of Ms Arnopp's that I read.  Even the chapters about people I already knew a lot about, like Margaret Beaufort and Henry VIII's wives, I still enjoyed reading.

And now I want to visit all those ancient Welsh churches, too - this book is a little gem!

MAKE HIM A SANDWICH by Candace Owens @realCandaceO

 5 GOLD stars

On Candace's website - Canada and US only
On Amazon.com - ships to UK

On Goodreads

How I discovered this book: I saw it advertised on Candace's show.

In a Nutshell: 'Why real women don't need fake feminism'

My husband bought me this for Christmas; such was the demand for this elegant treatise of feminist culture that it didn't arrive until a few days ago.  Having just closed the book, I imagine most will agree with me that the wait was worth it.  MHAS is so well-written I became totally engrossed in every historical account, every 'celeb' incident, every aspect of the way in which the media and those who run it have manipulated young women to think that (for instance) getting your kit off on the internet for money is 'liberation'.

I particularly liked Chapter 4, Beyond the Pale, which outlines the origins of the movement, back as far mid 19th Century Russia.  So much I didn't know.  Oh, and don't miss Chapter 6: The Kardashian School of Plastic'.  Or #7, Along Came Hannah, about 'trad wife' Hannah Neeleman and her YouTube channel about life at her family home, Ballerina Farm. I was glued to the pages throughout!

MHAS compares the biology of men and women, the emotional differences, which made me think about aspects I hadn't previously considered.  The book is a light and 'easy read', wise, honest and straight to the point but always classy.  I watch Candace often, so I know how intricately she researches every detail, how careful she is before presenting facts.  She digs deeper than most, into both her subject matter and the motivations of others.

Something else I appreciated was the way the chapters themselves were structured - a masterclass in keeping the reader's attention.  I can't recommend this book highly enough.  It cuts through all the lies, myths,  hype and manipulation; the hows and whys about the overturning of Roe vs Wade was an eye-opener.

Make Him A Sandwich is informative, fascinating, funny, beautifully structured, and fears no man!  Or woman, of course.  😉

STROWG by John F Leonard @johnfleonard #RBRT

 4 out of 5 stars

On Amazon
On Goodreads

How I discovered this book: it was submitted to Rosie's Book Review Team, of which I am a member.

In a Nutshell: When you're manservant to a diabolical entity...

I read John F Leonard's The Bledbrooke Works some years back and thought it was great, so my interest was piqued once more by another story set in the same place.  Strowg is a novella that fits perfectly into its size, in that it doesn't need any more detail or backstory.

Charles Hennessey is Strowg's devoted factotum, and has been for many years ... Strowg himself is some form of vampiric creature, though the word 'vampire' is never used, but basically Charles's job is to find 'sustenance' for his master, who has now shed the human exterior and embrace his inner monster  In exchange for his service, Strowg promises him eternal life.  A slow drip, by passing on his own blood.  

Despite the subject matter this is fairly low key horror, and it even has a subtle, darkly humorous thread running through it.  This works really well, and Mr Leonard exhibits some suitably neat turns of phrase that added so much to this story.  It's good, I recommend!

My Top Ten Books of 2025

 

... as usual, not necessarily published in 2025, but that's when I read them!  

In no particular order, click the title to read my review.

Boatyard Views 

by Val Poore

A collection of Val's essays about her life on the water - 

beautifully put together, amusing and informative!

Marguerite: Hell Hath No Fury! 

by Judith Arnopp

The story of Margaret of Anjou, a major player in the Wars of the Roses

All The King's Bastards 

by Gemma Lawrence

Alternate, speculative history - what would have happened if Henry VIII had died from his jousting injury, early in 1536?  Fascinating!

Last Train to Freedom 

by Deborah Swift

A mission of great importance in the dangerous arena of Europe during WWII ... the train in question is the Trans-Siberian Express

About the Real Stages of Grief 

by D G Kaye

Part memoir, part advice - D G Kaye talks about bereavement and how she has learned to live with her loss 

Burke and the War of 1812 

by Tom Williams

Fictional account of the factual mission of James Burke, to recruit the American First Nations to fight with Britain against the US

A Pact With The Devil 

by Anna Legat

Murder and demonic possession in 15th Century Poland

Death of a Clown 

by Catherine McCarthy

The story of Charlie, the reluctant clown - beautiful book

The Long Walk 

by Slavomir Racwicz

The allegedly true story of Slavomir Rawicz, who escaped from a Siberian labour camp during World War II, and, with comrades, trekked thousands of miles to reach safety. 

The Book of Thornhold 

by Judith Arnopp

A novel of long-short stories, about a family across the centuries.  Marvellous.

I hope you will select at least one of these for your next read - you won't regret it!  

Happy reading, and happy new year!

📚📚📚📚📚

THE CAMEO KEEPER by Deborah Swift @swiftstory

5 out of 5 stars

On Amazon

On Goodreads

How I discovered this book: a favourite author

In a Nutshell: The election of a new Pope creates chaos in 17th Century Rome

Never a disappointment, a book by Deborah Swift.  I've read the others in the series and they're all stand-alone.  I know this because I have a terrible memory but I didn't have any unanswered questions.  The Cameo Keeper made me want to read the other books again; knowing what happens next makes everything that comes before mean so much more.

Now, to the book!  This one sees astrologer Mia living with stepmother Giulia and her new husband, in Rome.  Mia falls in with the wrong people, lured by glitter, which leads to the increasing distance between her and young chirurgion Jacopo. 

A powerful woman, a new Pope, a malevolent colleague of Jacopo's, money, murder and fear of the Inquisition provide splendid material for the plot to play with, with intrigue and ghastly secrets around every corner.  

As usual with the author's books, the research into the life and work of the people she portrays (many of the key players were based on actual people) is immaculate; in this book I felt as though I was heariing from an apothecary who lived in those days, so convincing was it.  Fascinating, too.  I loved reading about the practices of the day and how, already, natural remedies were being demonised in favour of scientific discovery/experiment, for the financial benefit of the latter.

Definitely recommend this one!

HANGING ON by Iseult Murphy @AuthorIseult

 4.5 out of 5 stars

On Amazon (universal link)
On Goodreads

How I discovered this book: I won it online, in the giveaway on Teri Polen's site

In a Nutshell: A Christmas ghost and a lonely girl

A long short story that I would say could be read and enjoyed by anyone from the ages of 10 upwards!

Angelina lives a meagre life with her mother, Thea, who we realise early on is something of a sociopath at best.  Angelina doesn't know who her father is, and is always scared of what her mother might do to her.  Then, a surprise Christmas present proves more of a gift than she could ever have imagined.

The book is extremely well-written and beautifully presented.  I loved the structure, how we see Angelina's awful circumstances, but in between the unravelling of her history, we are provided insights into Thea's background.

This was just one of the hard copy books that Iseult Murphy donated to the giveaway - I look forward to reading the other two!  Meanwhile, this is on Kindle for just 0.99, and I definitely recommend. :)

BOATYARD VIEWS by Valerie Poore @vallypee

 5 out of 5 stars

On Amazon (Universal Link)
On Goodreads

How I discovered this book: The latest in a long line of memoirs by Val Poore that I have enjoyed very much!

In a Nutshell: Short articles about Val's life on the water, in the Netherlands

Val Poore's memoirs of her boaty life are always a delight to read, and I thought the format of this one lent itself so well to the subject matter.  It's a series of articles that start with the purchase of her beloved old barge Vereeniging (DOB 1898!) at the beginning of this century, and dip in and out of the past twenty-five years.  They were first published in a women's sailing magazine called SisterShip*, and feature edited highlights of Val's watery ways, from the purchase of Vereeniging to the trials of maintenance, living without electricity, the joys of living in Oude Haven in Rotterdam, learning how to be a DIY plumber, how to deal with water when it doesn't stay where it should... even when life was very, very difficult she says that she wouldn't have had it any other way.

Boatyard Views is entertaining, funny, and fascinating to read, whether you know anything about this lifestyle or not.  I highly recommend this as a lovely book to dip in and out of, though I read it in a couple of sessions.  The writing flows like a conversation with a friend, and I guarantee it'll make you think, I wish I'd done that when I was younger, too...

* I couldn't remember the name of the publication without looking it up, and was going to make up my own ... Sisters at the Stern, Birds on Barges, Queens of the Quarterdeck, Galley Girls ... perhaps not!)

THE WEIGHT OF SNOW AND REGRET by Elizabeth Gauffreau

 4.5 out of 5 stars

On Amazon (universal link)
On Goodreads

How I discovered this book: Various book blogs, including Sally Cronin

In a Nutshell: Human drama and cultural changes, fiction based on fact, 1960s

I was attracted to this book because I just loved the title, which I find poetic and rather beautiful.

The story centres around Sheldon Poor Farm in Vermont, which did actually exist, as I read about in the author's notes in the back.  Hazel and her husband Paul run the farm in rural Vermont; here, they take in those who might otherwise have had nowhere else to go, aside from possibly a mental institution.  It has existed in several incarnations for some decades, but in 1968 it faces closure.

The book opens with the arrival of the Claire, who is clearly in the throes of a mental breakdown of sorts, which has been taking place for some time.  Hazel takes the uncommunicative mystery woman under her wing.

The first half of the book alternates between the points of view of Hazel and Claire, as we learned what happened to the latter to bring her to this point in her life.  Later, we travel back to 1927 to learn about the heartbreaking story of Hazel's childhood, and how she recovers from disaster after disaster, loss after loss.

The story is so well structured; the author provides background just at the right point, setting up the intrigue and allowing the different elements and timeframes to weave together perfectly.  I was so aware of the difference between Claire and Hazel's lives; Claire knew all about the changing culture of 1967 and 68, whereas in Sheldon Poor Farm life ticked by as it always had done, aside from when the residents were allowed to watch television and see some of the horrors taking place in the world, such as the murders of Martin Luther King and Bobby Kennedy.

Lovely book.  I definitely recommend.