Julie Goucher ~ Anglers Rest

Emma following the death of her mother stumbles across a series of letters which were sent from her father to her mother in their courting days, at the backend of World War Two. After 6 months of corresponding, they had in reality only spent two weeks together. Upon being decommissioned and returning to the States Jack immediately visits the father of his sweetheart to ask for consent to marry. They did marry and had a family together, the author Emma was still being carried by her mother when her father died. To all intents and purposes, Emma did not know her father, but as she grew up developed a picture in her mind of the type of person he was. The letters that she found enabled Emma to flesh out the character he had. Emma does in order to find more answers about her father’s life visit his family home, and meets several Aunts and the area where they grew up. I would have liked to have explored that a bit further, and perhaps there is scope for another book….The book overall was an enjoyable one, this edition had some lovely illustrations and background paper reinforcing that this book was essentially a series of letters, from an era when communication was about writing letters, involving pen, ink, paper & stamps and not our modern methods.

This book also made me think of my grandparents. They married in September 1939 and by November of the same year my Grandfather was in the Army stationed in Africa. There is very sadly, no letters from this time of separation, in fact there was very few photos, not even of their wedding. There is one though which I have inherited of my Grandfather in a relaxed portrait with written, on the back “Your love one, George X”

As I had to spend 4 hours on the train today, I thought that I would read a light enjoyable book to ease the journey.

Travis is grieving for the loss of his brother and sister in law. Now the sole guardian of his two nephews and a neice Travis realizes that if he can not find a housekeeper he should advertise for a wife. Mary replies to the advert. A slightly frumpy librarian, who does not want to be left on the shelf. Following their marriage, Mary and Travis realise that they do love each other and the children.

This has a different slant to many of Macomber books, but what a lovely way to spend a train journey!

Continuing with the eventful life of Stephanie Plum, this time with Diesel, with only vague appearances of Ranger & Morelli. I can’t believe though, that we have made it through a Plum book with no car blown up!

The very gentle story of three sisters who flee their home Country of Iran to start a new life in Ireland, via London. Establishing yourself in a foreign country is never easy, and given the turbulant times of Iranian history, the sisters have their work cut out for them as they try to be accepted into the local community. What better way than through tempting the community with aromatic foods from Iran. Interspersed with recipes, which sound delicious!

Each chapter represents a chunk of the author’s life,as she grows up in America. A really amusing account, exploring the cultural differences between Iran & America. The outline that is given of immigrants arriving in another country, working hard to support other family members to migrate is a reflection of many groups of immigrants. (My own family did this from Italy to the UK). The Values of the extended family, whilst sharing the highs and lows of each others lives.

In the first of the series we meet Benni Harper, a widow who is still grieving for the death of her husband and in some ways that of her in laws and the ranch where she and her husband lives. In order to try and start over Benni is reported to have moved into town and taken a job as director of a folk art museum. Just three months in to the new job, Benni discovers a murder victim and then later another victim. Is there a connection with her late husband & the first victim? No matter how much Benni upsets the local police chief Benni simply has to find out…..Looking forward to meeting Benni again and to see how her relationship with the police chief develops.

My first Evanovich book outside of the wonderful Stephanie Plum series. I wasn’t sure that I would like this, I like Plum too much, but this was just as good, wacky & very funny in places. Here we follow the life, misfortune and determination of Alexandra Barnaby, whose brother has disappeared, along with a boat that he doesn’t own. His flat has been turned over, not once but twice. Barnaby is determined to find & protect her little brother. She meets Hooker, who is perhaps as full on as Morelli & Ranger. I look forward to meeting the characters again next time.

An interesting novel about four women whose school friendship continues into adulthood. Determined to be a success following the failure of her marriage, Alex is thrown together with her ex husband who is to be the best man at her sister’s wedding. Both her and her ex husband soon realise that they still love each other…. A Christian theme runs through the book, and this was not especially off putting. Regardless,I enjoyed the book and hope I can read the second book in the Piper Cove Chronicles series.

The light hearted story of Katherine O’Connor, or KO to her friends. Set on the peripherals of Blossom Street, there are brief glimpses of the regular inhabitants of Blossom Street. KO is single and possibly looking for love, her sister is married with twin girls who is bring the twins up to enjoy & believe in their free spirit, as coaxed by the author, a child psychologist, called Wynn. Whynn happens to live in the same apartment building as KO. KO struggles not to voice her disapproval. A meeting between KO & Wynn, then dinner in a snazzy resturant, and the two of them can’t help but like each other.

A truely amazing book, demonstrating complete courage, strength & bravery. Corrie’s family died in the concentration camps, Corrie the only one to survive did remarkable things with her life, and is an inspiration to us all.