Carole Matthews - All you need is Love

A romantic novel typical of this author, with a feisty heroine, plenty of interesting characters, and problems to be solved before the heroine can find happiness. Sally lives on a run-down Liverpool housing estate, but hopes for better things for her young son, Charlie. She falls for Spencer, the tutor at her computer course, who has a privileged background and shows her a life she never imagined before. But she's still close to her ex-boyfriend, warm-hearted Johnny, who cares for his elderly mother but doesn't make the most of his talents. Sally's driving spirit leads her into a project that could make life better for herself and all her friends, but does she want to leave it all behind for a new life? A satisfying read.

Lucy Atkins - The Missing One

This is a powerful book, exploring love, loss, and the natural world. After Kali's mother dies, she feels she has never resolved their difficult relationship issues. Suspecting her husband, Doug, of an affair, she takes their toddler son, Finn, and flees to Canada to find her mother's former friend, Susannah. She finds herself staying with Susannah on a remote island with no communication with her family. Sporadic messages come through with dire warnings, but she's determined to follow the revelations she is discovering about her mother's early life. As hidden secrets begin to emerge, she finds herself and her son in danger. The wild landscape and the history of the killer whales entwine with the story. Full of suspense, mystery and emotion. A compelling, well-written novel, which I enjoyed very much.

Wendy Holden - Three Weddings and a Scandal

A witty and irreverent excursion through the world of glossy magazines. Laura Lake lives in Paris with her young-at-heart grandmother, but longs to follow in the footsteps of her late father, a serious journalist. A surprise opportunity finds her working as an intern at a top London fashion magazine, but she's broke, has nowhere to live, and faces her old nemesis from her schooldays. Add into the mix two attractive young men, a rich but unhappy female celebrity, and the trail of jewel thieves who target society weddings, this is a fun book written in a polished and vivid manner. Thoroughly enjoyable.

is These are the choices from my reading from February.

The Romantic Novelists' Association is celebrating its 60th anniversary next year. In honour of this, they have asked members to submit the titles of books that they have enjoyed, one from each decade of the Association's life. I chose Anya Seton's Green Darkness as I remembered finding it riveting in the late 1970s. I decided to re-read it this month.

Anya Seton - Green Darkness

This is a big, long novel, although as the print is tiny (my copy was printed in 1975), the paperback is smaller than a book of similar length published today. The author's command of history provides a colourful background for this story of reincarnation. It's based around the story of the Tudor manor house, Ightham Mote, in Kent (I actually visited the house in the 1980s). The twentieth century section of the novel involves Celia Marsden and her aristocratic husband Richard, who find themselves influenced by their previous lives in Tudor times as Celia de Bohun, from an impoverished landowning family, and Stephen, a young priest. Their forbidden love spans the troubled times of Mary Tudor's reign. The novel is more melodramatic than I remembered, and the modern day writing is idiomatic of the late 1960s, when romantic heroes and heroines were aristocratic and attitudes not as politically correct as today.. Although my tastes have changed and I wouldn't choose it as my favourite novel today, the historic sections have authenticity and it remains a good solid read. 

Cathy Kelly - The Year that Changed Everything

Typical of this popular author, this novel has characters that engage, a story that pulls you in, set around families, modern day problems, and has a satisfying resolution. I always find Cathy Kelly's novels enjoyable, and this is no exception. Three women share the same birthday: Callie, ex-model and wife of businessman Jason, is fifty, and didn't really want the flash party that he's throwing for her. Before the day is over, a shock revelation changes her and her daughter's life forever. Sam, forty on the same day, is looking forward to the birth of her longed-for first child. She's read all the books, and is fully prepared - isn't she? Journalist Ginger's thirtieth birthday is also her best friend's wedding day. But an overheard conversation destroys her fragile self-esteem and throws her life on to a different path. Each story is fascinating with its twists and turns. The women's lives eventually cross - although I felt that it would have been more satisfying if the connection had come sooner. Still, another excellent book by this author.

My apologies for the late appearance of this blog. There were a few technical problems on the day I was planning to upload it! All seems to be resolved now.

Anna Jacobs - One Kind Man

The second novel in the author's series about the village of Ellindale, this book is written in her trademark sympathetic style. The title character, Finn, has struggled with personal loss and hardship, but an unexpected legacy finds him the owner of a large house in the village. It is dilapidated and needs plenty of of attention, which means he can help some of the unemployed villagers. There's also a young boy who needs someone to care for him. As Finn works to improve the lot of his new friends and stand up for what is right, there are secrets to uncover and awakening of forgotten feelings. We also continue the story of characters introduced in the first novel of the series, but this novel would stand alone. A warm-hearted read.

Amy Harmon - From Sand and Ash

This book is a story of love and devotion through one of the most harrowing times in twentieth century history - World War II in Italy. Angelo has had a damaged leg since birth. His father sends they boy from America to his grandparents in Italy, so that he can enter the Church as a priest. His grandparents work for a Jewish family, and the daughter, Eva, is only a couple of years younger than Angelo. The two children become devoted, but Angelo's destiny in the Church and Eva's Jewish background mean that they can be no more than friends. As Italy moves into Fascism and becomes allied with Germany, Eva's family find themselves in serious danger and Angelo as a priest becomes a stealthy warrior to protect the innocent in a time of horror. The deep connection between the two young people becomes a steadfast beacon as they follow their own destinies. Some profound writing, with stirring characters and situations.

Wishing all readers of my blog all the best for 2019 - health, happiness and success, for you and all those you love.

I had a very busy December, and didn't manage to read as much. But here are my choices for the month:

Jessica Thorne - The Queen's Wing

This Young Adult book is a good read for anyone who enjoys Science Fantasy and an exciting story. It has all the ingredients that would satisfy this age group - Bel, a beautiful young aristocrat, is flung from relative obscurity to a royal role when her planetary system is invaded by the evil Gravians. In order to win her people's freedom she must forego her love of her flying machine and join in marriage with the young widowed ruler of a neighbouring planet. She must deal with lost love, awakening emotions, and duty when she becomes cut off from her family and takes on the role of a queen to a beleaguered people. The secrets of her new planet are unexpected as she strives for the freedom of her people and grows into adulthood. Jessica Thorne has created engaging characters, an exciting plot, and an intriguing world. 

Lulu Taylor - Her Frozen Heart

The novel follows the story of two women from different periods in time. Widowed Tommy (Thomasina) and her two children are living with her family in the years following World War II. As the winter of 1947 tightens its icy grip on a country ravaged by war, Tommy struggles to look after her mother, sister, brother, his convalescing friend Fred and her children in the crumbling country house. Into this mix comes Barbara, another war widow with a young daughter, and Tommy's family relationships begin to founder. Then in present day, Caitlin suddenly finds herself alone with her young son. Her friend Sara has always been close, but her husband Patrick never liked her - or did he? Happy memories of Caitlin's marriage take on a sinister cast. Decades apart, the women find themselves torn between loyalties to friends and family, and by the end of the book the connection that links the two of them comes to light. Some edge-of-the-seat moments, as well as deep insight into family and loving relationships. 

I have only two books in my selection this month, as I've been very busy - but they are particularly good ones.

Rachel Hore - Last Letter Home

A big novel that is a satisfying read. Briony, a historian, is holidaying in Italy when she discovers an intriguing derelict villa. When she's given an old section of film about the villa, she realises that her grandfather was stationed there during the war. Then some wartime letters come into her possession, and she becomes immersed in the love story a young German, Paul, who was her grandfather's friend, and Sarah, an Englishwoman. This leads Briony to the estate of Westbury House in Norfolk where they once lived. As she reads their letters, she finds that there are secrets that have an impact on her life today, and that someone would like to remain hidden. Atmospheric, sensitive and full of emotion.

Dinah Jefferies - The Tea Planter's Wife

Set in the tea plantations of Ceylon in the years between the wars, this is a poignant and moving tale. Into this exotic setting comes Gwen, newly married to Laurence, a widower. On his tea plantation she must come to terms with her new station, her husband who is somehow different from the loving man she married, and her sister-in-law Verity who seems to be living with them. Then there is Savi Ranasinghe, a charming local artist who becomes entwined with the whole of her family. Gwen soon becomes party to a secret that could threaten her marriage, and forces her to make heartbreaking decisions. A sensitively written, compelling novel that is totally engrossing.

These are my best reads from October:

Pam Evans - Dance Your Troubles Away

Another great read from this author of sagas, this time set in London towards the end of World War II. Marian is manager of a dance hall, The Cherry. Her niece Polly works there part-time, which is an escape from her daily grind in an office and her responsibilities as sole parent to her young daughter. Polly is still mourning her husband, George, who was lost at Dunkirk. But the lights and music of the dance hall brighten her life and bring her into contact with James, a Canadian soldier, with the promise of new love. However, the tragedy of war, parting, and family ties all pull at Polly. Then the war ends and her life is turned upside down by an unexpected turn of events. Sensitively written, with strong, sympathetic characters which envelop the reader in their world.

Lindsay Jane Ashford - Whisper of the Moon Moth

This was a new author for me, and I shall certainly be looking for more of her books. The novel is based around the real life story of Hollywood actress, Merle Oberon. Encompassing the time when she's striving to realise her dream of becoming a movie star, the novel follows her from India to England, and then to America. We see her love affairs and her passion for acting. Famous names such as David Niven and Laurence Olivier pepper the pages. The actress faces heartache, and gives up much that is dear to her as she faces the prejudice and rules of 1930s Hollywood. She must conceal her Indian heritage if she is to succeed in the profession of her choice. The author confesses to using some artistic licence, but she keeps to the main truth of Merle Oberon's life story, and has woven a vivid and fascinating tale of the early years of talking pictures.

Victoria Connelly - Love in an English Garden

A charming read, enhanced by the author's clear love of gardens, whether for flowers or kitchen produce. Set in a struggling Sussex house, Orley Court, we find widowed Vanessa faced with selling part of the property she lives in with her mother-in-law Dolly, and her two grown-up daughters, Tilda and Jassy. This brings into their lives a London accountant, Laurence, and his father, who both have an influence on the family. Into this mix steps Jonathan and his team of young gardeners doing community service. Life is stirred up for the household of women, past troubles are faced, and love is in the air for more than one of them. 

The books that I have enjoyed reading in September are:

Diana Gabaldon - An Echo in the Bone

This is the seventh book in the Outlander series, of which I an an unashamed fan. I have been thoroughly hooked since I read the first one, Outlander, (which was originally published in this country with the title Cross-stitch). I have read the first six novels more than once, and enjoy the television series as well. I'm going to try not to throw in any spoilers, but obviously there's a lot of back-story from the six previous novels. Suffice to say that the book, even though it's over a thousand pages long, is gripping and interesting throughout. Gabaldon as usual has done extensive historical research, and weaves her time-slip story in a way that beguiles the reader for the duration of the novel. There are several threads of story that run in parallel - Jamie and Claire now experiencing the American War of Independence, contemporary with Lord John and his stepson William, who is fighting in the British Army. In this time frame there's also the continuing story of Jamie's nephew Ian, and their attempts to take him home to Scotland. Needless to say, their journey has many exciting detours. Plus we follow their daughter Brianna with her husband and children, now back in 1980s Scotland. Threats abound in each era, and the passage between the two times still wields its unexpected menace. Gripping and vivid. There's another volume to come, which is on my reading list, and I look forward to the next instalment of the saga.

Hannah Begbie - Mother

From a seasoned writer to a debut novelist. This is the 2018 winner of the Joan Hessayon Award from the Romantic Novelists' Association for a first novel published in the past year. It's a stark and moving investigation into the role of a mother and how it is a vastly different experience for someone with a disabled child. From the pain of infertility to the joy of conceiving, Kath and David are in the first flush of happiness of parenthood when their lives are shattered at the news of their baby daughter's illness. Their own relationship becomes strained as they come to terms with Mia's constant treatment and hospital visits. Kath tries to find solace in a group for parents in similar circumstances. Here she's drawn to a man whose daughter is now a teenager, and he offers her reassurances and solace which she grasps eagerly. An emotional read, as the heroine tries to find her way through the new world she has not been expecting. 

Anna Jacobs - One Quiet Woman

Another prolific author, this is one of Anna Jacbos' Lancashire novels. It's the first in a new series about the fictional village of Ellindale, and is set in the years after World War I. Many men have not returned, others are living with war disabilities, and life is hard for some families. Leah is recently orphaned and doing her best to look after her ten-year-old sister, Rosa, but she cannot earn enough to support them both and stay in their home. Local pawnbroker Charlie is about to marry and doesn't want to share his home with his brother Jonah who was gassed in the war and is something of an invalid. He finds the solution, for Jonah to marry Leah so that she can look after him in the home that he owns in the village of Ellindale. This marriage of convenience not only offers her the chance of security for herself and her sister, but also to do something for the people of the area. But there are evil men around who threaten the safety of Leah and her family. A good story, in this author's usual well-written style, with authentic background and setting.

My choice reads from August are:

Anne Baker - Liverpool Gems

The novel follows twins Connie and Carrie as they begin their adult lives in 1935 Liverpool. Connie is getting married, but Carrie hasn't any romance on the horizon. Instead she decides to make a career for herself in accountancy, like her new brother-in-law John. Meanwhile their father, Archie, has returned from South Africa where he has been working for many years. With him is the mysterious Marion, who they believe will become their stepmother some day. While Carrie immerses herself in her new career and tastes love for the first time, Archie is harbouring a dangerous secret that could threaten the happiness of the whole family. Full of engaging characters, with a plot that keeps the reader turning pages, this novel is a good, satisfying read.

Lee Child – Night School

This is the twenty first novel in the series about ex-military cop Jack Reacher, of which I confess I have read many. Lee Child’s trademark style is taut, pacey, conveying with economy the scene, atmosphere, characters and plot. This novel goes back to Reacher’s army days, when he’s pulled from regular duty for a special mission which is so important for US national security that it has to be disguised under a training course. At first there are few clues as to the exact nature of the problem. But as the book progresses, Reacher and his fellow investigators uncover a threat of such magnitude that the reader is on the edge of their seat, willing them to capture the perpetrator before a disaster of unbelievable consequences befalls the whole world. Full of twists and turns, the novel does not disappoint.

Harriet Evans - The Butterfly Summer

A novel of forgotten history and family secrets, all leading to the mysterious house in Cornwall called Keepsake. Nina in present day London is confused with her role in life, her relationship with her widowed mother, her career, and her failed teenage marriage to Sebastian. A chance encounter leads her to discover the existence of Keepsake and her own connection with it. Gradually the origins and the secrets of the house are uncovered, through diaries, letters, and flashbacks to her grandmother, Teddy, and Teddy's grandmother, Alexandra the butterfly collector. The heroine has difficult decisions to make as new revelations turn her life upside down, and the final twist is kept until the very last pages. Intriguing and different.

Karen Swan - The Paris Secret

In 2016, a secret apartment is discovered in Paris - one that has not been opened since 1942. The rich and influential Vermeil family is totally unaware of its existence. Fine art agent Flora Sykes is called in to deal with its contents. Immersed in her own family troubles, and plunged into a new mystery concerning her new employers, she tries to do her job in a professional manner, but emotions run high. Opening the door of the apartment before its scheduled time has been like opening Pandora's box. As Flora follows a trail of clues to discover the origins of its contents, a monstrous secret threatens to destroy the family that owns it, while Flora's heart is laid open to love for the first time in her life. I adored this novel - unexpected twists and turns, excellent writing.

Rita Bradshaw - A Winter Love Song

A good, substantial book giving hours of entertainment, A Winter Love Song is a must for anyone who enjoys sagas. It begins in 1928 when Bonnie is ten years old, living with her adored widowed father in a fair travelling round north east England. When she is left alone, she must endure years of misery in the care of her loveless grandmother, until she manages to escape and runs away to London. Here she strives to forge a career as a singer, but she never forgets her father and the people who were her friends. With the advent of war, her life changes, bringing friendship and loss but also giving her the opportunity to love. It is a long, hard path for Bonnie as she struggles to put the past behind her and find the happiness she desires.

Cathy Kelly - Once in a Lifetime

Strong women going through challenging times are always found in Cathy Kelly's novels, and this has plenty of varied characters to envelop the reader. At the centre of the story are women of different generations - Ingrid, television political interviewer at the height of her career, mother of two young adults and wife to David, who owns the iconic Kenny's department store. We are also drawn into the story of Natalie, flatmate of Ingrid's daughter Molly. Ingrid has a loving father and stepmother, but her own mother died before she could know her. What's more, no-one will talk about her mother, so there's a great gap in her life. Then there's Star Bluestone, the last generation of a family of women with intuitive powers, who live apart from the general community. Star was involved with Ingrid's husband David when they were young. Into this mix is thrown a shocking unexpected event which affects all of the women in different ways and unlocks secrets that threaten the stability of their lives forever. A deep, involved book with plenty of reading.

The choices from my reading in June are as follows:

Sue Watson – We’ll always have Paris

Finalist in the contemporary romance category of the RNA Romantic Novel of the Year 2017, Sue Watson’s novel explores the possibility of rekindling old loves. The heroine, Jude, meets her former boyfriend shortly after she has lost her husband. Both now in their sixties, Jude is trying to rebuild her life with her grown up children, grandchildren, and the flower shop she started many years ago. Retirement beckons – but it’s not turning out to be the one that her children imagine for her. Instead of heading gracefully into old age, Jude realises that life has a lot more to offer, and is soon reviving her artistic talents as well as the feelings she had for her teenage sweetheart. There are tugs of love between her protective family and her new-found romance that no-one had been expecting. A tender and insightful exploration of love in later life.
 
Alan Titchmarsh - Folly

Another entertaining read from the multi-talented Mr. Titchmarsh. The art auction houses of the Ballantyne and King families, based in the city of Bath, have had a long-running family feud, though its origin is unclear to the younger generation. Jamie and Artemis are the grandchildren of the founders and have been in love for many years, despite the opposition of their families. When the two are thrown back together again at the sale of a master painting, new revelations open the door to the past. They have some difficult choices to make. A connection with a famous artist threatens the very existence of one of the businesses, and may mean that the two young people must part forever. A novel of love and secrets, with historic insight into one of England's foremost artists. Very enjoyable.

L.D. Ross - Lindisfarne

This is the first in a series of novels featuring the detective DCI Ryan, and I was attracted to it as it is set in my part of the world. I also like a good mystery. This did not disappoint - plenty of local colour (the island of Lindisfarne is separated from the mainland by a tidal causeway), history, and a wealth of different characters. What some readers may not expect is a strong romantic element, but as I'm a fan of both mystery and romance it didn't draw away from the story for me. I read the taster of the next novel in the series at the end (on Kindle) and liked it enough to consider buying that one as well.