Dark Tides is book 2 in The Fairmile series. Tidelands (book1) left us with two strong, determined women leaving Sealsea Island, heading to London to Dark Tides is book 2 in The Fairmile series. Tidelands (book1) left us with two strong, determined women leaving Sealsea Island, heading to London to start a new life. I was excited to to see how Alinor and her daughter Alys would fair in this new adventure. Dark Tides is set 21 years later. Alys has 21 year old twins, Sarah and Johnnie. Alys now runs a wharf on the poorer south-side of London whilst Alinor brings in money making packs of herbs and selling them. They are not rich but they get by and both Sarah and Johnnie have apprenticeships. Alinor's brother Ned has also left the tidelands now that the new king is on the throne. He has decided to make a new life where he can be his own master in New England (USA).
There is no backstory to fill in the missing twenty odd years which makes Dark Tides read well as a standalone. The story moves back and forward between London and Hadley - New England. They are two completely different stories only occasionally connecting through Alinor and Ned's correspondence or when Ned sends herbs to Alinor in London.
With the introduction of Rob's widow Livia arriving from Venice, babe in arms, Philippa Gregory has given her readers an amazing antagonist. I loved how Livia worked, confident and conniving. Everyone was immediately smitten with her, completely under her spell. Well, almost everyone. She was a perfectly drawn character, charismatic and manipulative, totally believable and I was enthralled as I watched her weave her web of lies and deceit.
The story held plenty of suspense as the setting moves from London to Venice and my Fitbit will attest to the increase in my heart rate as the tension mounted. I was equally invested in Ned's story, although not as compelling, I loved learning about the native Indians, the Pokanoket people, and their ways with the land. Ned was, as I expected, one with both the natives and the settlers. He was keen to learn the ways of the natives and their wisdom. I could clearly see Alinor with her herbs and natural healing would also be one with these people. Gregory explains how these peaceful people were lied to, cheated and betrayed by the settlers and how they were not prepared to lose everything, including their way of life.
I loved Dark Tides (book 2) even more than the first book Tidelands. I have no idea where the story will go from here but I am eagerly awaiting book three in The Fairmile series. *I received a copy from the publisher...more
I have to admit I don’t know much about the war in Syria however Delphine Minoui brings the conflict and danger up close as she describes her Skype coI have to admit I don’t know much about the war in Syria however Delphine Minoui brings the conflict and danger up close as she describes her Skype conversations with a young revolutionist whilst explosions are going on in the background.
Inspired by a photo, the author saw on Facebook, of two young Syrian males looking over books Delphine tracks down the photographer and then over dodgy internet connections the story of the secret library of Daraya unfolds.
This is a fascinating story of how people come together during a time of immense conflict and through books and reading they can see some sort of future. I loved that this was from the point of view of people actually involved and living through this turmoil. We get to see their real passion for books and learning, their ideals and dreams.
The photos included throughout the book and the small background information on each of the men that provided content for the book makes it become so much more than just a history of the secret library. *I received a copy through Beauty & Lace Bookclub...more
This short story features some background on a young Dave Burrows fresh out of Ag college and explains the situation behind him leaving his family andThis short story features some background on a young Dave Burrows fresh out of Ag college and explains the situation behind him leaving his family and the farming life he loved so much. We get to know Dave’s personality and what motivates him....more
I really enjoy Karen Swan’s books and I especially look forward to her Christmas offering each year. There is always a mix of romance and suspense andI really enjoy Karen Swan’s books and I especially look forward to her Christmas offering each year. There is always a mix of romance and suspense and I can be assured of being taken away to a beautifully described location.
This year’s novel Together by Christmas was a little different to Swan’s previously Christmas themed novels. The main character is Lee, a former war photojournalist who had been working extensively in Syria and winning awards for her photos. Lee is a little hard to like at first. She now photographs celebrities for publicity shoots and it’s very clear she doesn’t like these people or their lifestyles, but still she takes their money to pay the bills.
I feel this must have been a hard book for Swan to write as it covers some heavy topics. Swan explores themes of PTSD in journalists that have seen the horrors of war, domestic abuse, the exploitation of illegal immigrants and the pressure some parents put on their children to achieve their lost dreams.
Lee’s backstory is slowly revealed through her memories and also through sessions with her psychologist. As the story progressed I could see why she was so closed off, negative and insecure.
Set in Amsterdam, I loved the atmosphere with the whole community out skating. There was a lighter side to the story with Dutch Christmas celebrations and traditions explained. These happy events blended well with the darker themes simmering below the surface.
Together by Christmas is a wonderfully immersive and important story. I just feel it may have been better not released as a Christmas read.
I’ve given this 4 rather than 5 stars only because I want more joy from my Christmas reads. *I received a copy from the publisher...more
4.5 stars Fiona McArthur has given her readers a wonderful start to the Lyrebird Lake series, featuring midwife Montana Browne and doctor Andy Buchanan4.5 stars Fiona McArthur has given her readers a wonderful start to the Lyrebird Lake series, featuring midwife Montana Browne and doctor Andy Buchanan.
The story opens on New Years Day and it is the first year Montana will start without her husband Duncan, who had died unexpectedly nine months ago. Montana is a midwife so it's only natural that pregnancy and birth feature largely in the Lyrebird Series. Fiona McArthur's birth scenes are calm, magical and beautiful.
Montana meets Dr Andy Buchanan and finds herself instantly attracted. However she feels deep guilt over this attraction and the fact that Andy makes her laugh. Isn't it too early in her bereavement to be having any happy thoughts?
McArthur includes many themes that encapsulate hospitals and childbirth, such as, lack of hospital staff in small country areas, teenage pregnancy, genetic diseases and adequate birthing units in hospitals. There are also emotional themes explored throughout the book such as, feelings of guilt when a partner has died, moving on in life and looking to the future.
Montana is a beautiful, gentle read. A feel-good story with depth. Just what I needed this week! Andy and Montana's slowly evolving relationship came across as very real and I love that the story wasn't all about the romance and Montana's angst.
Lyrebird Lake is full of lovely welcoming residents and I am eager to read the next book in the series and hopefully revisit a few of these wonderful characters. *I received an ecopy from the author...more
Best selling Australian author Karly Lane’s latest offering in the Rural Romance genre, Something Like This, combines Karly’s love of romance with herBest selling Australian author Karly Lane’s latest offering in the Rural Romance genre, Something Like This, combines Karly’s love of romance with her love of horses to give her readers yet another unmissable rural romance story. Anyone who has read a Karly Lane novel will know her two biggest loves are horses and romance and Something Like This combines both loves. Even if your not a horsey person (which I’m not) you will love Tilly and Jason’s story. It is more than just horses it is a story of pain, loss, suffering and the power of love.
Through Healing Hooves Horse Therapy Tilly brings together a group of troubled teens, on their last chance, and a few wild brumbies saved from culling. The teens are taught to work with the horses and I’m not sure who was taming who but both boys and horses are offered a new chance at life. It was moving to watch these reluctant teens open up and Tilly’s life long dream come to fruition.
Jason Weaver was planning a quiet life fixing up the old house he had purchased. His time fighting in Afghanistan had left physical and emotional scars and Ben Tirran seemed the perfect place to send time alone. That is until he drops into the local cafe and meets Tilly. Now he can’t keep her out of his mind. Jason is such a likeable character, even when he was being grumpy and disagreeable. I immediately warmed to him and Lane has a remarkable way of invoking empathy in her readers for even the most moody and socially disagreeable of characters.
Tilly is awesome. She has had tragedy after tragedy thrown at her and yet she was vibrant, determined and strong. What an inspiration! Her story will break your heart. Jason and Tilly were complete opposites neither really into what the other liked but their personalities complemented each other and they were both willing to compromise which I thought was a realistic founding for a relationship.
Horses form a large part of the story in Something Like This and even as a non horse lover I was fascinated by the idea of capturing and taming wild brumbies rather than culling. Lane’s Knowledge and love for these wild horses is evident.
In Something Like This Karly Lane explores the healing power of animals. I have heard of pet therapy where dogs are taken to hospitals, nursing homes and schools but introducing horses as therapy was new to me. Other areas explored were small town gossip, genetic diseases, mental health of people with a disability, communities helping each other and working towards a dream.
Karly Lane is firmly on my must read list. *This review first appeared on the Beauty & Lace website and you can read it here...more
Opening in 1940, Soldiers follows a group of New Zealand soldiers as they are sent to England for training then to Egypt and Crete defending these areOpening in 1940, Soldiers follows a group of New Zealand soldiers as they are sent to England for training then to Egypt and Crete defending these areas against the ever advancing German army.
In this compassionate, yet fierce, story Tom Remiger puts emphasis on the different personalities of the soldiers and how they cope with the conditions and each other's company.
At the start of the book I was a little lost as the characters were at times called by their first name or last name or even a nickname. It seemed like their were more characters to keep track of than there actually were. However, as the story moves on the names all slot in and the story became easier to follow.
Remiger deftly describes the long tedious days of waiting and the terrible conditions the soldiers endured. His characters are real! They are at times not as brave as they would like to be. They get along and they fight. Sometimes they are best friends and at others they hate each other, begging for space. We follow these characters as they change from men to soldiers.
Underlying this story of man and war is a compassionate story of devotion as Lt Patrick Breen becomes aware of his feelings for Captain Sinclair. Breen is a gentle soul although many of his fellow soldiers thought he had a wildness about him. He becomes obsessed with the accidental death of one of the soldiers in their company. This obsession soon leads to paranoia and he sees motive in many of his fellow soldiers.
Soldiers is a moving story and not like the usual WWII stories I read full of killing and bravado. Remiger has dug into the soul of his soldiers to reveal their true feelings and fears. When the fighting comes, some will rise to the occasion whilst others will fall....more
An Unusual Boy is a heart-wrenching story about a family struggling to keep from falling apart. Julia is trying to run her family of five single handedAn Unusual Boy is a heart-wrenching story about a family struggling to keep from falling apart. Julia is trying to run her family of five single handedly since her husband is overseas with work a large amount of the time. This can be stressful on a marriage at the best of times without the added burden of a child with a neurological problem.
I have to admit I was scared to read this book but I was also scared not to read it. We have our own unusual boy and although he is only four I worry about the life that is ahead of him. I could totally empathise with the Curtis family and the long road they have already travelled to get Jackson to the age of eleven. It was easy for me to imagine the years of doctors appointments, tests of all sorts and endless speech therapy.
So many reviewers stated that they fell in love with Jackson however in reality how many people can even tolerate someone else's child running circles around the table at a cafe or hitting out because the words won't come.
"Other parents have been less forgiving, including at Jackson's old school where we were progressively shunned by parents variously irritated or disturbed by Jackson's unusual behavior."
I read this book in one day and I cried from beginning to end. The tears are welling as I write this review. An Unusual Boy is a book everyone should read. Mothers will resonate with Julia and her busy life, her constant tired state and always wondering if she is getting it right. Mother-in-Laws often get a bad rap in books so I was pleased to see Pamela step in and help out and for Julia to see her MIL in a new light.
I loved Miss Marion and I think it takes someone very special to see something more to a child than their hyperactivity and to take it and turn it into a skill. That's the magic that some teachers possess! Every child has something special inside them. An Unusual Boy is a story about acceptance, inclusion, diversity and not judging. *I received a copy from the publisher via Netgalley...more
Daylight is book three in the Atlee Pine series. In previous books Atlee has relentlessly dug into her past to reveal startling revelations about her Daylight is book three in the Atlee Pine series. In previous books Atlee has relentlessly dug into her past to reveal startling revelations about her parents. Her main agenda is to find out what happened to her twin sister, Mercy, who was kidnapped when they were six.
Currently on leave until she can sort out her personal demons, Atlee is joined by colleague and close friend, Carol Blum. Carol gives a calming presence to Atlee's, at times, bluntness and impulsiveness. Atlee stumbles across a police bust and in true Pine form becomes involved in the case.
Baldacci includes plenty of backstory making Daylight fine as a stand alone. However, to get the full experience I would recommend reading Long Road to Mercy and A Minute to Midnight. In this latest novel Atlee shows that she is not immune to bad decisions as I found she made plenty during this investigation and I found myself shaking my head over some of the situations she found herself in.
Working together with CID Special Agent John Puller the pair investigate a suspected drug ring and how this connects to a teenager shot by police. Stopped at every turn, shutdown and shutout by higher powers they work to expose a cover-up of epic proportions.
Daylight is fast paced, action packed and suspense filled. Making this a must read for all crime fans. I received a copy from the publisher...more
The Shearer's Wife is a dual time line narration. The first is in 1980 when a heavily pregnant Rose Kelly arrives in Barker with her husband, Ian. TheThe Shearer's Wife is a dual time line narration. The first is in 1980 when a heavily pregnant Rose Kelly arrives in Barker with her husband, Ian. They lead a nomadic life moving from one shearing job to the next. In 2020 the AFP arrive in Barker and arrest a local. Dave is warned off the case but when it's one of his own town's people he knows he must help.
Through this story Fleur McDonald brings country South Australia straight into my home. I loved how welcoming, helpful and accepting the country people are, willing to help out perfect strangers. This is a feel good story. Rose and Ian are happy together living the nomadic life of a shearer but we learn how difficult this life would be with a family. McDonald also includes topical subjects of the time, such as the wide-comb dispute that had shearers up in arms.
Through Dave and Kim Burrows we see the problems faced by country police and the fine line between policing an area and being friends with the locals. This also puts a strain on a marriage.
McDonald includes the trauma of PTSD and how it's a difficult diagnosis, usually picked up by friends rather than the person suffering. PTSD can affect the sufferers relationships and everyday life if not treated.
Both stories were interesting and I was equally invested, wondering how the two stories would tie in. As the story evolved the tension ramped up. The plot was realistic with heart-stopping suspense and just when you think it's all over the tension mounts again.
The Shearer's Wife is a rivetting rural crime story, easy to read yet full of heart, mystery and suspense. Although part of a series it reads as a stand-alone! *I received a copy from the publisher ...more
Lucky's is an ode to the old Greek cafe style restaurants with Andrew Pippos drawing inspiration from his own upbringing.
Jumping back and forward in Lucky's is an ode to the old Greek cafe style restaurants with Andrew Pippos drawing inspiration from his own upbringing.
Jumping back and forward in time Pippos shows us a post war Sydney when many migrants came to Australia to start a new life, opening cafes and expecting their children to work in the cafe. Here the story follows Achilles Asproyerakas who played an important role in Lucky's restaurants as his cafe Achillion was the prototype for the Lucky's chain.
Then in 2002 we meet Emily on the cusp of a trip from England to Sydney, Australia, to boost her career in journalism, her husband tells her he is in love with another woman. Emily is drawn to Lucky by a painting her father gave her of a Lucky's franchise cafe. Emily hopes to write a career saving story on the Lucky's franchise rise and demise.
Emily and Lucky have many parallels in their lives. Tragedy has had a major involvement in both their lives. Lucky's name was ironic, and this wasn't lost on him, as tragedy after tragedy befell him. His character was well drawn and it was easy to connect and sympathise with him. I eagerly followed Emily's and Lucky's stories looking forward to Emily's big scoop and the outcome of Lucky's appearance on Wheel of Fortune with the hope of opening a new cafe. However the story fell short with too many time changes. Would it have been more engaging if it was in chronological order? I'm not sure.
Lucky's is a tragic tale, tragicomedy without the laughs. If they were there I missed them.
Pippos' writing is exceptional; nostalgic, tragic and palpable. ...more
When city-girl Roni inherits a farm from an aunt she has never known she decides she will take a look and then sell as quick as she can. However Aunt When city-girl Roni inherits a farm from an aunt she has never known she decides she will take a look and then sell as quick as she can. However Aunt Marian hasn't made the process of the inheritance that easy. She wants Roni to have the chance to fall in love with the farm.
I was immediately pulled into the story, with the threat of danger hanging in the air.
Roni is instantly likeable. She cares for stray cats and runs errands for her elderly neighbour. Her life spent in foster homes has been let down after let down and she has past traumas that are still affecting her life. How can you not like, and feel empathy for this girl!
I loved how Aunt Marian's character was introduced through letters to Roni and even though she had passed we got to know her and she was an integral character in the story.
I could totally relate to the city-girl stuck in the country and wondering how she was going to manage and feeling isolated and scared.
"There was far too much country out here for her liking."
The Farm at Peppertree Crossing subtly covers some heavy topics but there is plenty of humour, cute farm animals and a cute farm hand to lighten the mood. It was a delight to watch Roni grow and start to trust people and also learn to say no when needed. She slowly came to realise not everyone was out to hurt her or rip her off and maybe, Matt was helping out on the farm because he was genuinely a nice guy. I loved all the cooking and cakes, both disasters and successes, and the CWA meetings and their small town gossip. Lots of humour here! Léonie Kelsall knows how to create an ever changing atmosphere as it moves from foreboding, funny, breath-holding, sad and sweet. I loved the way Léonie Kelsall unwrapped the secrets slowly throughout the story - little teasers that kept me glued to the pages. The Farm at Peppertree Crossing is a story of belonging, moving forward, guilt, secrets and learning to trust. I was keen to read this book as soon as I heard about it and I was not disappointed! I received my copy from the Beauty & Lace book club...more
Australian Doctor Sofia Raso is accepted to work in a medical practice in Kabul. After 5 years working there she is much loved by the local AfghanistaAustralian Doctor Sofia Raso is accepted to work in a medical practice in Kabul. After 5 years working there she is much loved by the local Afghanistani people and she now calls Afghanistan home. Sofia has come to accept many of the cultural differences but when young boys start disappearing from Kabul’s slums, to use a sex slaves to the rich and powerful, she knows she can no longer keep silent.
The Night Letters is told through a few main characters all residing or working in Shaahir Square; Omar, an ageing shop owner, who has had many wives but still laments over losing the love of his life. Iman, a young girl who works in the doctors’ office, is the face of change for women in Afghanistan. Sofia Raso, the Australian doctor who has worked her way into the hearts of the people of Shaahir Square. Dr Jabril Aziz, born in Afghanistan but educated in America resulting in a blending of cultural ideas. Behnaz, the wife of Chief of Police, Wasim, is old enough to remember a time before Taliban rule and grieves for how much they have lost. Daniel Abiteboul, a UN aide worker is introduced as a love interest for Sofia but their romance is very much understated.
Through these main characters, and a few other minor characters, Denis Leith gives the reader a broad spectrum of the citizens of Afghanistan. We get to see their thoughts, feelings, hopes, dreams and also their despair as they live in fear of reprisal from the Taliban.
There are two mysteries running through the story. One being the night letters being left at the door of both Dr Jabil and Chief Wasim’s house advising them to warn their friend to stop or they will be in danger, and also the mystery of the young boys’ disappearing and who was behind this. There is quite a lot of humour surrounding the night letters and all the gossip it creates in the square with everyone thinking they are “the friend” that needs to stop doing whatever. This humour really lightens up what could otherwise be a sad story.
I loved the descriptions of the square and the shops, the shop owners and their interactions which brought the whole scene alive whilst I was reading. I don’t know much about Afghanistan however the author’s fondness for this country and its people shone through in her words.
Filled with strong women The Night Letters is a poignant story with characters that will touch your heart and leave you wanting more....more
3.5 stars Elizabeth Seibert has delivered a humorous and satirical look at a group of boys, the jocks of their high school, as they navigate the path f3.5 stars Elizabeth Seibert has delivered a humorous and satirical look at a group of boys, the jocks of their high school, as they navigate the path from boys to men.
The boys were all about ‘the code’ and, as most teens are, all about themselves and the rules that they decided they should live by. These were a group of privileged white boys and I think they realised that. However, with no responsibilities they also seemed to lack respect.
One rule; ‘you don’t hit on a bro’s sister’ starts to cause division in the group as one of the boys starts to fall for his best-friend's sister. As the story evolves and the boys mature they start to come to the realisation that their attitude towards girls has not been respectful.
There is plenty of humour as the boys hang out doing silly boy stuff, playing video games and eating pizza. However the book also explores many situations relevant to teens including the important topics of consent, respect and toxic masculinity although I feel these topics could have been explored further and I didn’t like that there were never any consequences for their actions. The boys look back on events in the past and see with a more mature mind that things they did were not okay.
Sixteen year old Eliza, the sister of one of the boys, provides a good perspective of the female point of view and the harm that can be done by these disrespectful boys. I liked that Eliza was outspoken and called the boys out over their behaviour.
There is a really sweet romance running through the story and I love how Eliza chooses the course and pace of the romance.
The Bro Code is a light read that gets the message across in a subtle way. This is a story I hope will make young males see toxic masculinity as outdated and young girls to be strong and outspoken. *I received a review copy...more
*https://theburgeoningbookshelf.blogsp... The story is told in the first person by a young boy as he notices a change in his father, as he sinks into a*https://theburgeoningbookshelf.blogsp... The story is told in the first person by a young boy as he notices a change in his father, as he sinks into a state of depression, and this confuses him and makes him afraid.
The story explains the highs and lows of a person with a mental illness as our narrator feels happy and safe when old daddy is back but confused when he withdraws again. Hospital stays are explained and the natural response of a child not wanting to go because it is strange and scary. He expresses his feelings of being afraid and worried that none of his friends would understand.
The emotional illustrations compliment the story with lots of sad faces and dark clouds when daddy is withdrawn and non-respondent but the pages are also interspersed with happy days and big smiles.
In the hospital he sees other children and realises he is not alone. There are other kids whose mummy or daddy had a mental illness too.
"Daddy looked at me and said, Remember I still love you. That will never change."
Filled with positive reinforcement I feel this book will be a valuable resource for anyone looking to explain mental illness to children. Somethings I would have liked included in the story were: Words of encouragement and love from the boys mother. Acknowledgement that his friends would still be there for him. That it wasn't anything he did that made his father change. I received a copy from the publisher...more
Come Home Ella is a heartfelt story from the point of view of a young child waiting to see their newborn sister Ella. Ella was born premmie and needs Come Home Ella is a heartfelt story from the point of view of a young child waiting to see their newborn sister Ella. Ella was born premmie and needs to stay in hospital.
Come home Ella goes through the different emotions that may be felt by a young child in this situation. Sadness at not being able to see the much anticipated new arrival, wariness after seeing a photo with all the tubes attached to the baby, anger as their mother leaves to go to the hospital everyday and then joy as they are finally able to see and hold their baby sister.
Coping ideas are put into place with hug charts and calendar countdown.
Written through the eyes of a child Come Home Ella is simple and hopeful, giving just enough information for a young child to understand but not so much as to overwhelm.
I think this would be a valuable resource for any family undergoing the same situation. Age: 2+years *I received a copy from the publisher...more
4.5 stars I did wonder how I would like this story as I do love Historical Fiction however I’m not a big fan of political based Hist Fic. I’m happy to 4.5 stars I did wonder how I would like this story as I do love Historical Fiction however I’m not a big fan of political based Hist Fic. I’m happy to say this story isn’t heavy on the political side. Sarah is very likeable. She has had a hard life and I wanted her to succeed. She is feisty, strong and intelligent. She speaks her mind.
The wreck is a story of people pushed to their limit by poverty and hunger. Set during a time when even a peaceful protest has deadly repercussions when the Crown’s yeomen intervene.
“I will go with the men when they rise, though most do not want me to do so. Women hunger, and women die, so women must also fight.”
Sarah McCaffrey is a strong female lead. She is not afraid to risk her life to fight for what she believes in.
The story quickly moves from London to Sydney, New South Wales and we see that conditions are much the same as back in England. The rich are protected and prosper whilst the poor suffer and go hungry. We follow Sarah as she tries to fight for equality but not really knowing who to turn to or where to start. All avenues seem to lead to violence and bloodshed being the only answer.
Set in the early 1800’s, Keneally paints a vivid picture of a growing Sydney with boarding houses, taverns, the busy harbour and the shanties and muddy streets of The Rocks. Through a mix of characters Meg Keneally shows the constant danger and degradation some women endured, selling their bodies on the street, to earn money to live a meagre life. In The Wreck strong women come in many forms and even when they are fighting the same fight as the men they are sneered at and looked down upon.
Sarah is helped and taken under the wing of some kind people. Firstly the captain of the ship she escaped London on and then arriving in Sydney alone and penniless she is helped by business woman and philanthropist Mrs Thistle. Mrs Thistle is a remarkably drawn character and a key player in changing the lives of women through benevolence rather than violence.
These strong women paved the way for more strong women to keep fighting to be heard, It, as we know, is a long fight through generations and I enjoyed reading Meg Keneally’s take on where it all started. *I received a copy from Beauty & LaceBook club....more
Snotbubble (a name that elicited many giggles) was forced to leave his home as it had become overrun with pollution and human waste. He makes a rocketSnotbubble (a name that elicited many giggles) was forced to leave his home as it had become overrun with pollution and human waste. He makes a rocket from refuse left in the lake. Crash landing in Fizzy Frog Swamp a quiet, unpolluted haven he spins a story to the frogs that he is an alien from outer space. Mudball is suspicious about Snotbubble’s story and does some investigating. He is soon found out to be lying and decides to come clean and tell the truth. When they hear his story of how the lake was polluted and all the inhabitants had to leave, they tell him they must all stick together and he can stay.
I really enjoy Faiz Kermani’s children’s books! They have messages of acceptance, anti-bullying, being different, honesty and being your best self. I love the use of frogs and toads in these wonderful tales featuring anthropomorphism and are a fun way to introduce meaningful, related topics.
The Toad from Outer Space is a story of acceptance and honesty with themes of displacement and conservation. This picture storybook is told in verse and the story moves along smoothly with a good cadence and wonderful imagery. Each page of text is accompanied by a full page colour plate giving the story an extra lift in imagery. The text also has a visual effect with colour, size and font change to express noise, movement, colour and atmosphere. ...more
“It’s important to carry on giving people some much-needed escape from the cruel realities of war.”
“They are bound to one another and their country and the only freedom they still have is in the landscape of their minds”
Centred around Alice Cotton and the publishing company she worked for in London, Caroline Beecham brings to the fore the plight of women at a time when outward appearance was very important and unmarried mothers were scorned and vilified. A time when women went away, and lied about nonexistent husbands, to have their babies where no one knew them.
The men in the story were supportive but I noticed their surprise when they realised that Alice was intelligent and could give useful effective input into the publishing business. I found this aspect very real and it’s good to see how far we have come from the archaic outlook of the 1940’s.
Two plot lines run through Finding Eadie. Firstly the hardship suffered by businesses, especially publishing houses with rationing of paper meant a reduction in books being published and the London fires having destroyed almost all their printing equipment. The second storyline is the ostracization of unmarried mothers, baby farms, illegal adoptions and the women working to have laws changed to protect these babies.
The story travels from London to New York where we see the American side of Partridge Publishing. Leo Bloom is sent from New York to the London office to check through their accounts with a view to selling the London office. I loved the nostalgic mentions of blocks of book shops and how important books were for people’s mental health and it was sad to learn about the demise of a lot of these shops. These things are still extremely relevant, especially this year when books are being used to entertain and distract as we are isolating.
I was immediately invested in the characters and fascinated by the working of the book industry. This is the kind of story I want! A book I’m so engrossed in that the pages turn effortlessly. A story of true friendship as Alice’s friends support her at a time when lesser friends would have shunned her.
Finding Eadie is a feel good read, all nicely wrapped up at the end leaving a permanent smile on my face. *I received a copy from the publisher...more
An Aussie outback tall tale. I can just picture Kyle telling this story in the local pub prefixing it with; "I kid you not, this happened to a mate ofAn Aussie outback tall tale. I can just picture Kyle telling this story in the local pub prefixing it with; "I kid you not, this happened to a mate of mine." Narrated by Kyle a mate of Hayden's. He is telling the story of how Hayden came into a vast amount of money. It's a little coarse at times but filled with Aussie humour and laidback acceptance of circumstances. Kyle narrates the tale as if it was all inevitable. Implying; What else could Hayden do?...more
Sorry, that person's shelf is private.
Veronica ⭐️
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