Read whatever, whenever, however.
In brief: Vivian is a switchboard operator in Wooster, Ohio in the 50s. She enjoys listening in on conversations until she hears something incredibly shocking about herself. How can she fix this and hold her head up high? The good: The 1950s are brilliantly portrayed. The not-so-good: Bit uneven and I had to concentrate to... Continue Reading →
In brief: Elizabeth Quinn and her brother Michael are pillars of the town of Maitland. When Elizabeth becomes unwell at an exhibition, their ward Jane knows something isn't right. What was it that caused Elizabeth to fall back into the past? The good: Lovely historical story with added mystery. The not-so-good: Some of the characters... Continue Reading →
In brief: Vera and best friend Edith find themselves in Naples after World War II, trying to build a new life after losing their families. It won't be easy and it will take them across the world to find their happiness. The good: Based on a real story with never a dull moment. The not-so-good:... Continue Reading →
In brief: After the war, Evie couldn't go back to the confines of her normal life. Joining the entertainment ship Victory, is fun but one night changes the lives of the entire cast. The good: Unique setting to tell an interesting story. The not-so-good: Lucy's section of the story occasionally lost momentum. Why I chose... Continue Reading →
In brief: The life of Charlotte Lucas after her marriage to Mr Collins is respectable, but lonely. On meeting Mr Travis, a farmer, her life and heart become disrupted. The good: A great book for a Pride and Prejudice fan. The not-so-good: A quiet read (and I still find Mr Collins annoying). Why I chose... Continue Reading →
In brief: In 1899 Sydney, the residents of the Dunlevy house find things out that will change their lives. They each react in their own way with disastrous consequences. The good: A great insight into colonial Sydney, pre-Federation. The not-so-good: The ending is a little fast and neat. Why I chose it: Enjoy Maggie Joel's... Continue Reading →
In brief: When a family move to the country to help on the family farm, it's difficult for all the women but particularly so for Marjorie… The good: Quirky, yet moving. The not-so-good: The first one hundred pages are very slow. Why I chose it: Thank you to Pan Macmillan for the copy. Year: 2019... Continue Reading →
In brief: At the height of the Cold War, America decides the best way to get through to the Russian people is through illicit copies of Doctor Zhivago. The good: Very interesting view from inside The Agency. The not-so-good: Story tapered off somewhat after 'the drop'. Why I chose it: Sounded like a novel plot... Continue Reading →
In brief: Violet is a spinster in the 1930s and eager to get away from her mother. So she moves towns, meets some new friends and joins a group of broderers. But it all becomes more complex… The good: The story really grows on you and stays with you. The not-so-good: The story is rather... Continue Reading →
