Tag Archives: Morton S Gray

CARIADS’ CHOICE: JULY 2022 BOOK REVIEWS

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Nita Prose’s The Maid reviewed by Kitty Wilson

This is my favourite audiobook in ages. I absolutely loved it and found myself racing through it over the course of a weekend, deliberately choosing activities that meant I could keep listening. A delightful heroine surrounded by a fab cast of characters, you cannot help but fall in love with Molly the maid as she navigates a world full of social cues, clues and language that she doesn’t always understand. On the surface this is a simple whodunnit with a neurodiverse detective heroine, but it’s also a witty, refreshing look at society, how we communicate and what we prioritise. Highly recommended.

 

Lynne Shelby’s Rome for the Summer reviewed by Carol Thomas

What a lovely, uplifting read! I read the novel on holiday; it was the perfect book to relax and unwind with. Kate was a likeable heroine, her family were wonderful, and her newfound life and love interest in Rome was perfect. For a novel filled with artistic fervour, Jamie was the ideal hero; his passion for both the art exhibited in Rome and that created by his hand was evident throughout. The insights into the past worked well, and I enjoyed discovering more about Kate’s Italian girl (depicted in a painting). Overall it is a lovely escapist read that will whisk you off to Rome for the Summer, fill you with warmth and leave you with a big satisfied smile.

 

Anne Booth’s Small Miracles reviewed by Jane Cable

I can absolutely see why this book is published under Random House’s Vintage label, because it is just that. Quaint, charming and a little old-fashioned, not just because it is set in 1995; it transports the readers back to simpler times, before the world was glued to its mobile phone.

Set in an English catholic convent down on its luck, the book follows the remaining three nuns, the local priest and a small cast of parishioners and friends, as after a modest lottery win, a series of other ‘small miracles’ begin to occur.

Although I quite enjoyed the journey, there was something missing from the book for me. I wanted it to be either funnier, or tug at my heart-strings more, and I had problems relating to the three main characters. However if you yearn for fiction akin to the Miss Read books, this may very well be exactly to your taste. It was in no way a ‘bad’ book (whatever that is), just not for me.

 

Bella Osborne’s A Wedding at Sandy Cove, parts 1 and 2 reviewed by Morton S Gray

I have loved all of Bella Osborne’s books and wasn’t surprised that I loved this one too. I sat and read the first part of Ella’s story in one sitting and didn’t want it to finish. Can’t wait for the next part.

Like Ella, I was a bridesmaid numerous times and never thought I would be a bride, but to work in the bridal industry must make that thought even harder. Love her cat and her friends, who can see her flaws but want the best for her.

Easy to read, easy to relate to, left me wanting more …

Part two of A Wedding at Sandy Cove didn’t disappoint and I found myself laughing and even shouting at my kindle, so I guess that means I was involved in the story!

Ella’s adventures continue. I’m glad I wasn’t at her friend’s hen party event but there is plenty to read about and I even spat my mouthful of tea out at one point when I laughed totally unexpectedly!

Waiting for Part Three…

 

 

 

CARIADS’ CHOICE: MAY 2022 BOOK REVIEWS

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K T Dady’s Lemon Drop Cottage reviewed by Carol Thomas

This is the first book by K T Dady that I have read and, therefore, my first visit to Pepper Bay. As each book in the series is standalone, this didn’t spoil my understanding of the story.

I enjoyed meeting Scott and Dolly and spending time in this close, friendly community as their feelings developed. Dolly’s son, Dexter, is a great character who shone through; it was nice to see a teenage boy represented in a positive, caring way. There is an interesting sub-plot with the local retirement home being under threat and a good cast of secondary characters – I liked Giles, who has a close link to Scott and his secretive past. Having visited the Isle of Wight, I enjoyed the setting. Overall, this is a warm-hearted novel full of kind, caring characters who will make you smile.

 

Vicki Beeby’s A New Start for the Wrens reviewed by Morton S Gray

Loved this book! I binge read it as I wanted to know what would happen. The three main female characters Iris, Mary and Sally are all so easy to relate to and care about, as is Rob. Love the glimpses of Orkney and the poignant history. Cottoned on to the baddie early on and kept shouting warnings at my Kindle lol. Loved Vicki Beeby’s Ops Room Girls series and was worried this might not be as good but it is! Can’t wait for the next instalment in this series.

 

Rosemary Noble’s Sadie’s Wars reviewed by Jessie Cahalin

I have been idle for two days and it is Rosemary Noble’s fault. I travelled from innocence to experience with her character, Sadie.  She had my ear as soon as I walked into this thrilling family saga.  This hard-hitting, realistic document of challenging times deals with: propaganda, inequality, domestic violence and loss. Insight into Australia and England placed me in the centre of the historical periods.

Strategic juxtaposition of Sadie’s life during World War One Australia and World War Two Grimsby is brilliant.  Noble explores how our experiences make us react in the future thus providing depth to Sadie’s character.  Wounded by past troubles, Sadie makes decisions that made me want to sit her down and give her advice.  Tempting questions hang artfully in each chapter of this novel. Noble shows the inequalities between men and woman at the turn of the century and contrasts it with changing attitudes in post Second World War Britain.  Historical events, attitudes and politics are artfully woven into the narrative fabric of the novel. Noble explores love so beautifully in the novel.

An intelligent, powerful and deeply moving novel from Rosemary Noble.

 

Caroline James’s The Spa Break reviewed by Jane Cable

How marvellous to have a book about four women in their sixties going away on a girls’ weekend. It happens in real life quite a lot (some young people would be amazed to hear), but rarely between the pages of a book, and frankly I’d like more of it.

Caroline James’ characters are brilliant; fully rounded, far from perfect and never, ever, falling into the trap of being stereotyped. Each of the four women has their own story to tell, their own future to grab hold of and change, and it seems that a spa break is the best place to do it.

This is a gorgeously warm, witty book and I would totally recommend it as a feelgood weekend or holiday read.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CARIADS’ CHOICE: APRIL 2022 BOOK REVIEWS

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Pamela Hartshorne’s Time’s Echo, reviewed by Georgia Hill

What a fabulous read! Itchy-footed Grace goes to York to sort out a house that has been left to her. She’s immediately drawn into the story of Hawise who lived in the city over 400 hundred years before and who met a tragic end. There are twists and turns galore, some truly evil baddies, a theme of drowning which is cleverly explored and some gentle romance. The Tudor details are assured and you just know Pamela really knows her history. It’s all concluded in magnificent style. I absolutely loved it and, for me, it ranks with books from the mistress of the timeslip, Barbara Erskine.

 

Carol Thomas’ A Summer of Second Chances reviewed by Jane Cable

A genuinely heart-warming book, full of wonderful  characters, both human and animal, at times I actually laughed out loud.

But at the core of this book is a gorgeous love story . When Henry returns to Dapplebury on his father’s death he hopes he will meet the girl he left behind. But with so much water under the bridge, will his childhood sweetheart Ava give him a second chance? Will her protective friends even let her?

What I especially loved is that every character, however small their part, is beautifully drawn which made the village come alive around the story. Definitely recommend as a book to curl up with.

 

Carol Drinkwater’s The House on the Edge of the Cliff, reviewed by Jessie Cahalin

The House on the Edge of the Cliff had me on the edge of my seat throughout the narrative. The contrast between Grace as a teenager and as an older woman is wonderful: innocence and experience are artfully conveyed with layers and layers of emotions.

I loved the excitement the frenzied Paris Riots that opens doors to Grace, but the wild beauty of Provence lured me and Grace. I stepped into the mesmerising blue of the sea and the sky.

‘I was a girl climbing out of a closed box for the first time, happening upon a sky that was not blue but BLUE, vigorously tinted, fervently, thrilling blue.’

The novel moved clearly from the past and the present and tension clattered along at great speed.  I longed to discover the truth of the secret Grace and Peter buried long ago. Tempting ripples of tension dropped into the novel, but my assumptions crashed on the rocks.  Wow!

Another tempting narrative from Carol Drinkwater.  The emotions and tension kept me on the edge of my seat.  And the beautiful tapestry of language did not disappoint.  I always enjoy travelling to France with Carol Drinkwater and engage with her characters.  A thrilling read!

 

Georgia Hill’s The Great Summer Street Party: Sunshine and Cider Cake, reviewed by Morton S Gray

I loved the characters in this book, which made me want them all to have happy outcomes. Berecombe definitely sounds like somewhere I would like to live and be part of the community. I would no doubt spend a lot of time in Millie Vanilla’s café if I did. (I was excited to realise that there are other books set in this fictional village and will definitely be reading those too).

Who doesn’t love a heroine with a past to battle and overcome like Ashley? A nice light uplifting read that was perfect distraction for me when I was recently unwell. The living history project aspect of this book was of great interest to me. I now have to go and buy part two of this story as I am intrigued to find out what happens to Ashley, Eddie and of course the backstory of Ruby and Chet.

Lovely read.

 

 

 

 

 

THE CRAFTY WRITER REVIEWS…

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Author Morton S Gray has a passion for crafting, and here she reviews three books guaranteed to inspire.

Wreath Making For All Occasions by Becci Coombes

This book is full of lovely ideas and makes wreath making accessible to people of all abilities.

I love the willow star wreath and it looks much easier to achieve for a beginner than the circular willow wreath. When I got to the page about the book lover’s Valentine I exclaimed aloud at the beauty of the wreath and want to make one of these very much. The lavender wrapped in ribbon project took me right back to childhood and making a similar thing with my nan.

Gorgeous photography throughout. Lots of ideas and inspiration – just a super book.

 

Natural Kitchen Dyes by Alicia Hall

I am forever trying to replace dubious chemical products in my life and use more natural alternatives where I can so that I am clear of the origin and source – this book fulfils this brief for dyeing fabric, raffia and wool. Fascinating insights and processes, and I guess a throwback to the world of our ancestors who knew how to dye cloth using just the things around them.

The illustrations are gorgeous throughout the book, making it clear what to use and making me lust after the beautifully subtle array of colours. I love the idea that I can cook a meal and use peelings, stones and leftovers to create lovely dyes later and especially the fact that as these are foodstuffs that both these raw materials and the dyes can be frozen for use at a future date.

The section about which fibres dye well is useful and I had lightbulbs going off in my head all over the place at the thought of dyeing my own wool for my crochet and weaving projects, material for my patchwork too. I also remembered that I have some unused, undyed silk scarves in my craft cupboard that I can experiment with. My eyes also lit up at the mention of dyeing antique lace.

I will heed the precautionary tales about splashes, as I suspect we are benefiting from the author’s possible previous disasters. Nice clear instructions and loved the tip for putting the remnants of the process on the compost heap.

The fact that the dye outcome is random also appeals as I often despair that all of our clothing these days is too often a carbon copy of everyone else’s. Dying to try dyeing my old t-shirts. My carrot tops and avocado stones and skins have suddenly taken on a new significance!

 

Crafting Authentic Paper Flowers by Sophie Longhurst

Adored the introduction tip in this book – ‘My number one tip when you start paper flower making is not to rush’. Slow enjoyment of the creative process sounds amazing. I also like the fact that this book is intended as more of an inspiration rather than as an exact ‘how to” as everyone will have an individual result. However, the templates at the end of the book make this craft feel more accessible to a beginner.

Beautiful illustrations throughout and a very clear list of materials. I can’t actually believe that some of these flowers are not real! My favourites are the poppies and floribunda roses. And who knew you could make replica Rowan berries from clay?

I have ordered my materials and look forward to some slow crafting in my future…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CARIADS’ CHOICE: MARCH 2022 BOOK REVIEWS

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Milly Johnson’s My One True North reviewed by Carol Thomas

My One True North is a story about loss and grief on more than one level. There are predictable elements but this didn’t detract from my interest in the characters’ individual journeys.

There are many touching moments: The support group emanated a sense of care and community; Pete – the male lead – and his brother’s relationship was realistic and their love for their dad was warm and honest; I greatly enjoyed scenes at the pub where Pete and Laurie got to know each other. And I welcomed glimpses of characters from previous novels.

I hoped for a bit more to be made of the ending, especially as it had been clear where the final stage would be set from early on. It didn’t feel as wrapped up as Milly Johnson’s other stories, however, it was an enjoyable read, with likeable main characters, that tackled the difficult subject of loss well.

 

Helen Yendall’s A Wartime Secret reviewed by Imogen Martin

Maggie is an East End girl with a dangerous secret at a time of war: her beloved mother is German.

When the bank Maggie works for is relocated to a grand house in the Cotswolds, she is apprehensive about leaving. Her sister Violet has been sent to the country as an evacuee, her mother interned, and Maggie is left managing her overbearing father. Nevertheless, she is determined to do her bit for the war effort. But will Maggie be able to reach her sister? And can she find out where her mother has gone?

The novel has the style of a saga: a range of vivid characters including friends and enemies for Maggie, plots and sub-plots to be unravelled, and an underlying love story. Apparently, the move of the bank to the country is based on fact. This book is filled with authentic detail from the first page and is an addictive read. A fantastic debut novel.

 

Audrey Cowie’s Lost in Translation reviewed by Jessie Cahalin

A clever twist on the romantic comedy genre. It was wonderful to meet Charlotte and follow her new life in Switzerland with her husband and children. I adored the way the character found her voice and her identity and slowly changed. This story had me hooked from the outset because I feared the worse and wanted Charlotte to triumph. Perfect escape to Switzerland for me, and I read it very quickly. The writing style is fun and engaging – so entertaining to get inside of Charlotte’s head and hear what she thinks. There are some fantastic moments in this novel. This is an uplifting feel-good book with a satisfying ending. I loved it!

 

David Whyte’s Essentials reviewed by Morton S Gray

I have been a fan of David Whyte’s poetry ever since I saw him perform live at Ledbury Poetry Festival. It is interesting that he made such a big impact on me on that long ago evening that whenever I read his work I can hear his voice reciting the words.

The cover of this volume of poems is so tactile that I love just holding it and I savoured every page after buying a copy for both myself and one for my friend.

One of my favourite poems, ‘What to Remember when Waking’ features as an extract on the back cover and I have read and reread it so many times. The book contains many more of my other favourites, including ‘Start Close In’, ‘The Journey’, ‘Sweet Darkness’, ‘Marmeen” and ‘The House of Belonging’.

This is a lovely book and makes a wonderful gift. In my opinion, everyone should have a copy!

 

 

 

 

CARIADS’ CHOICE: DECEMBER BOOK REVIEWS

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Caroline James’ Coffee Tea the Gypsy and Me, reviewed by Jane Cable

From heartbreak to hilarity Caroline James’ debut novel shows just what a great writer she’d become. The characters, village and hotel are fabulously drawn and I really enjoyed it.

When Jo’s husband runs off with the au pair it takes her a while to haul herself back on her feet, but when she does, boy does she do it with 1980’s style! Her outer transformation happens first, with the inner Jo following as she renovates and opens a boutique hotel, dodges the local slime-balls and despite adversity and genuine heartbreak makes a go of it.

It’s an amusing retro romp I really enjoyed.

 

Clare Huston’s Art and Soul, reviewed by Jessie Cahalin

Wonderful story to chase away the winter blues.

This novel wrapped itself around me like a cosy blanket and took me to Becky and Charlie’s world. Becky, a life coach, is employed to fix the life of an artist called Charlie. Becky is kind and witty, and Charlie is the perfect brooding hero. This is a great premise for a dream narrative that tempted me into the characters’ lives. I loved Ronnie and the gorgeous cakes at Sweet’s. The friendship between Ronnie and Becky is so real and both characters are entertaining. But Becky’s observations about the characters are astute and made me giggle throughout. At one point she talks about someone’s ‘pompous glee so perfect it nearly melted her forehead’. Who wouldn’t want a friend like Becky? She is feisty, fun and can fix things. And you need to meet Charlie to discover his charm. An interesting observation on the dynamics of the modern family.

An entertaining romance!

 

Lauren Groff’s Matrix, reviewed by Kitty Wilson

A beautifully written story chronicling the imagined life of Marie de France who was banished to an impoverished abbey as a teenager. We follow Marie as she grows into a confident and authoritative woman who transforms the fortune of the abbey and the lives of the women she lives with. A powerful novel that examines gender expectations and roles in twelfth century Europe with all the dangers and pitfalls that accompanied life at the time. This novel is masterful, evocative and immersive, a powerful story of being female in the late Middle Ages. Highly recommended and I am excited to reread it.

 

Janice Preston’s The Penniless Debutante, reviewed by Morton Gray

Aurelia Croome is almost destitute when she inherits a fortune, but there are strings attached to her inheritance, because the terms of the will forbid her from marrying the new Lord Tregowan. This doesn’t seem to be a problem on the face of it, but when she begins to socialise in London, the man she’s attracted to is no other than Maximilian Penrose—the new Lord Tregowan!

I devoured this book from the first page. I loved the fact that I had already read the stories of Aurelia’s half-sisters in the previous two books in the Lady Tregowan’s Will series – The Rags-To-Riches Governess and The Cinderella Heiress.

I devoured this book from the first page. Perfect escapism from a troubled world, I kept sneaking off to read more and I really think I should be kept on a constant diet of Janice Preston books, apart from the fact that I would get nothing done. Trademark Preston oh la la sensual scene and a great story. More please.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CARIADS’ CHOICE: JUNE BOOK REVIEWS, PART TWO

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Lisa Hobman’s Under an Island Skye, reviewed by Morton S Grey

I loved this book and wanted to make my own escape to the Isle of Skye! Tackles some difficult issues – bereavement, depression, divorce, children of divorce but in a way that carries you along wanting the characters to find their happiness. Believable characters especially the hero, Reid and the heroine, Juliette. Evin and Chewie the dog wormed their way into my heart. A lovely escapist read.

 

Carol Cooper’s The Girls from Alexandria, reviewed by Jessie Cahalin

The mystery of Nadia’s missing sister hooked me from the outset. There are many layers in this book. Set in Egypt, London and in a London hospital ward, this novel explores the impact of one’s culture life experiences on our identity. The insight into life in Alexandria intrigued me and I could feel the exotic heat of Cairo. I enjoyed the contrast between the voices of Nadia as a girl and a mature woman. The naïve girl becomes a wise and witty woman, and the impact of her past on the present is explored beautifully. The way Nadia makes sense of a patriarchal and disrupted society is enlightening and relevant: revisiting memories sparks new connections and insight. The novel kept me guessing about Nadia’s sister and Nadia’s illness. There are wonderful gems of wisdom sprinkled throughout this novel. An intelligent novel I know I will reread.

Readers who enjoy Maggie O’Farell’s The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox will love this book.

 

Natasha Lester’s The Paris Secret, reviewed by Jill Barry

Skilfully plotted, beautifully written, and with a cast of fascinating and ‘real’ characters, this dual time novel is a joy to read. Word pictures of Cornwall, the sensation of becoming airborne, the loneliness and horror of the war years against the camaraderie and determination to enjoy being young and alive, all contribute to this magnificent novel with its tiers of separation and reunion, even if the latter is sometimes not entirely welcome. Family secrets and historical facts blend with real life dramas. Devotees of haute couture will drool over the name dropping and the exquisite descriptions of dresses most of us can only dream of acquiring. This is a book you won’t want to put down. This is a love story that will stay with you long after you regretfully reach The End.

 

David Sivers’ In Ink, reviewed by Evonne Wareham

Dave Sivers is an established indie/self published crime author specialising in police procedurals. In Ink is the first in a new series in which a murder team under DI Nathan Quarrel investigates a serial killer in the leafy and affluent communities around Tring. When the body of a middle aged accountant turns up in a churchyard with a macabre facial disfigurement Quarrel’s team have to unravel a scheme for vengeance from a killer who is a meticulous planner and who always seems one jump ahead. Why have the victims been chosen and what is the significance to the killer of tattoos and tarot cards? A twisty plot, a policeman with a haunting act of violence in his own past, a killer with a grisly calling card and a cast of interesting characters – both police and suspects – make this a satisfying read.

 

 

 

CARIADS’ CHOICE: JUNE BOOK REVIEWS, PART ONE

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Audrey Davis’ Lost in Translation, reviewed by Jessie Cahalin

A clever twist on the romantic comedy genre. It was wonderful to meet Charlotte and follow her new life in Switzerland with her husband and children. I adored the way the character found her voice and her identity and slowly changed. This story had me hooked from the outset because I feared the worse and wanted Charlotte to triumph. Perfect escape to Switzerland for me, and I read it very quickly. The writing style is fun and engaging – so entertaining to get inside of Charlotte’s head and hear what she thinks. There are some fantastic moments in this novel. This is an uplifting feel-good book with a satisfying ending. I loved it!

 

Natalie Kleinman’s The Reluctant Bride, reviewed by Jane Cable

In the notes to the reader at this end of the book, Natalie Kleinman mentions Georgette Heyer as an inspiration, and if you love the classic Regency romances by the doyenne of the genre, you are going to enjoy this book too. Widowed after just six weeks of her arranged marriage, Charlotte emerges from mourning with no intention of letting her newfound freedoms go. But she is young, beautiful and spirited, so of course she attracts admirers.

I read this book in a day and so enjoyed being transported to a different world. A world of Almack’s, riding out in Hyde Park, shopping (not to mention taking the horrible waters) in Bath, and picnics under the trees in the park of great country houses. The central characters are beautifully drawn and I enjoyed finding out how many of them achieved their happy ever afters. Recommended!

 

Jessie Cahalin’s You Can’t Go It Alone, reviewed by Judith Barrow

I really liked You Can’t Go It Alone. The characters are well drawn and multi layered and there are so many familiar ‘human life’ threads running throughout all the relationships. All thought provoking.

The dialogue is exceptional; the personalities of the characters were instantly revealed, through both the internal and the spoken speech.

It’s the Olive Tree Café where most of the action occurs and there is a strong sense of the cafe’s ambience. Indeed, all of the settings have a good sense of place and it’s almost as if the Delfryn itself is personified as a character in the story, with the interweaving, individual lives it holds at its centre.

Initially, the story appears to be a light-hearted look at life in a Welsh village, but actually, it’s a story that explores the contrasting mindsets and distinct possibilities between different generations of women.  Jessie Cahalin’s debut novel, You Can’t Go It Alone, is an interesting and thoughtful story.

 

Sue Moorcroft’s Under The Italian Sun, reviewed by Morton S Gray

I think this is one of my favourite Sue Moorcroft books to date. The hero Piero is fanciable just from Sue’s words on the page. Zia has a lot going on with her complex family dynamics and the fact her ex-boyfriend is best buddies with her best friend’s husband. Add into this an interesting and complex plotline spanning across England and Italy and there is plenty to keep you guessing. Can’t wait for the next novel already!