Only two favourite reads from September. I haven't had as much time for reading as usual last month.
Emma Davies - Letting in Light
A car accident leaves Ellie struggling with her confidence, and with the end of her long-term relationship she's delighted to accept her friend Jane's offer to look after their country property. She's astonished to find herself living next door to Will, who had helped her at the moment of her accident. His family are owners of the big house, but he's living there alone and struggling with his own demons. As both of them try to come to terms with difficulties, they find themselves becoming closer than they would have imagined. But as they begin to look at a way of making the estate pay its way, its not just old talents that are resurrected. There are some difficult truths to face before either can move on from the past. I found the novel engrossing, the characters very real and their problems capturing the reader's emotions.
Jean Mead: - The Widow Makers
This is the first in a series of historical novels. Although there are many editing faults in the book, the characters are captivating, the historical detail and sense of place compelling, and the story keeps the pages turning. It follows the fortunes of young coal miner Joe Standish and his wife Emily. A pit accident which causes the death of Joe's friend Frank, spurs him to head for the slate quarries with his wife and young son, Tommy. Although he's no longer working underground, Joe discovers that it's a hard life. It proves difficult to improve their lot, though he and Emily try their hardest. As their son, Tommy, grows up, he begins to grow away from them, and the whole family are faced with many challenges as they try to adjust to their changing lives.
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