Category Archives: Fiction

Book Review: The Secret Book of Flora Lea by Patti Callahan Henry

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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Summary

The Secret Book of Flora Lea is a very engrossing and ‘tug at the heart strings’ novel with the themes of family, love and fate. Hazel and Flora spent their childhood, during World War 11, in the countryside outside London, after being evacuated for safety.

While they were away from their family, older sister Hazel, creates an imaginary fairy tale for her young sister – a magical fairyland where they can escape feelings of homesickness. Tragedy strikes, leaving Hazel shattered and burdened with guilt for her entire life.

Twenty years later Hazel is working at a rare bookstore, when she unwraps a package containing an illustrated book, which is the story of a magical fairy land which is almost exactly the same as the story, “Whisperwood”, that she made up for her young sister. This sends Hazel on a feverish quest to find her sister.

My Thoughts

Other than the magic of story telling The Secret Book of Flora Lea, is the story of love between two sisters and how love can impact lives. Despite the devastating aspects to this story there is always hope and there is always deep love. I found this book, both very sad and very hopeful. The power of imagination is always present in this novel.

The characters are very likeable and believable, so I was totally invested in their lives. I was kept guessing about what might happen, until the end. The ending was completely unexpected and amazing.

I found The Secret Book of Flora Lea, difficult to put down, and wanted to keep reading about WWII and post WWII London, and immersing myself into the fantasy world of Whisperwood.

There is an author’s note at the end that details true events that inspired certain parts of this story. Her thoughts on the importance of fairy tales to children, are well worth reading.

This was a book club book, and was enjoyed by most members. It is the perfect book club book, as there are many discussion points. The ending of this book alone, would probably take an entire meeting to discuss.

Quotes

Following are a few of my favourite quotes from the book:

“We have to choose what is good and true. Not what will destroy. If you were born knowing, and to be honest we all are, you will know how to find your way through the woodlands to the shimmering doors that are meant for you. They lead to the land made for you”.

““Sometimes I’d add to the story and get to see my dad in Whisperwood, but eventually I turned it into a land for the adventures of the orphaned sisters.“

“Telling stories is one of the greatest powers that we possess. It’s like a dream you an fill with what you want. And the knight doesn’t always have to save the princess; sometimes she saves herself”.

Star Rating 

Please note that my star rating system isn’t at all based on literary merit, but is based on my enjoyment for the book.
For me a book that gets five stars, is a book that I really enjoyed, and found difficult to put down.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Unputdownable. Would read it again.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Fantastic read. Not to be missed

⭐️⭐️⭐️ Enjoyable. Would recommend it.

⭐️⭐️ Wouldn’t read it again.

⭐️ Don’t recommend this book at all.

The book mentioned in this post is of my own choice, and has not been sent to me to review. My opinions are my own and I receive no renumeration at all for them.

Have you read this book? If so, I’d love to hear your thoughts. I promise to always reply to comments made below.

To keep up with the latest book reviews, please pop your email into the box in the side bar. This will ensure you are notified of all updates.

Find me here: Facebook and Instagram and Goodreads

© 2024 Copyright. all rights reserved: bestbookishblog.com

Book Review – Atlas: The Story of Pa Salt by Lucinda Riley and Harry Whittaker. The Seven Sisters Series

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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Atlas: the Story of Pa Salt is the eighth book in the Seven Sisters series. This series has been a reading highlight for me. As I was reading the seventh book, not realising there was an eighth book, I was feeling quite disappointed that the series was about to come to an end. When I discovered that there was an eighth book, about the Dad of the girls, I was overjoyed. There were so many questions in my mind, from each of the seven books, and Atlas answered all those questions nicely, giving me closure.

About The Seven Sisters Series

The Seven Sisters series was inspired by the Seven Sisters of Pleiades, from Greek Mythology. Each mythological figure was, in it’s own right, unique and powerful, as were each of The Seven Sisters. According to legend, the mythological sisters, were highly fertile and had many children with various gods, who were struck by their strength and beauty. Lucinda Riley was drawn to the stories of the mythological seven sisters and wanted to celebrate the achievements of women throughout history.

Each book in The Seven Sisters series is rich in historical detail, with very detailed plots. The Seven Sister series at 5371 pages, is a huge time commitment, and not one that I would usually make, but after reading the first book in this series I was hooked. Each book left me impatient to know about the next sister. As I closed the book, after reading the final page, I felt that there were further revelations waiting in the background to be solved. I did wonder, if perhaps, there will be an unexpected 9th book. That would be wonderful, as I’m not yet tired of reading about the wonderful characters in the series.

Atlas: The Story of Pa Salt

The above comments also apply to Atlas: The Story of Pa Salt. As I read through the series, I was desperate to know more about Pa Salt. Even though Pa Salt was a constant through all seven series, he was mostly in the background, and we didn’t learn much about him.

Atlas was co-authored by Lucinda Riley’s son, Harry Whittaker, due to the death of his mother. I wasn’t sure how it would work to have the continuing story mostly written by a different author. Apparently, Lucinda Riley, left very detailed information about how she wanted the story written. To be truthful, as I read this wonderful book, I really didn’t notice the difference in author. Harry Whittaker’s writing used the same voice of each of the girls, as in the first books, written by Lucinda

As with each books in The Seven Sisters series, the plot is very intricate and quite complicated, with a very deep emotional depth. Atlas: The Story of Pa Salt concludes with a story that sweeps across many decades and continents and is told in two time frames – the 1920s and today.

I expect this book to be one of my biggest reading highlights for 2024.It will take a very, very good book to beat it.

Link to Reviews of The Seven Sisters

The Seven Sisters by Lucinda Riley #1

The Storm Sister by Lucinda Riley #2

The Seven Sisters by Lucinda Riley #3 and #4

The Seven Sisters Series by Lucinda Riley #5 #6 #7


Star Rating 

Please note that my star rating system isn’t at all based on literary merit, but is based on my enjoyment for the book.
For me a book that gets five stars, is a book that I really enjoyed, and found difficult to put down.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Unputdownable. Would read it again.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Fantastic read. Not to be missed

⭐️⭐️⭐️ Enjoyable. Would recommend it.

⭐️⭐️ Wouldn’t read it again.

⭐️ Don’t recommend this book at all.

The books mentioned in this post is of my own choice and has not been sent to me to review. My opinions are my own and I receive no renumeration at all for them.

Have you read this book? If so, I’d love to hear your thoughts. I promise to always reply to comments made below.

To keep up with the latest book reviews, please pop your email into the box in the side bar. This will ensure you are notified of all updates.

Find me here: Facebook and Instagram and Goodreads

© 2024 Copyright. all rights reserved: bestbookishblog.com

The Seven Sisters Series by Lucinda Riley #5 #6 #7

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The Seven Sisters series is loosely based on the mythology of the star constellation known as the Pleiades, or more commonly, the Seven Sisters. The books follow the exploits of a group of adopted siblings who, following the death of their father, follow the clues he left them, that would enable them to find their birth families. These clues take them to different places around the world and lead them to families, and situations that they mostly would never have expected to find. Each novel is stand alone, and it’s not at all necessary to read the complete series, but I would recommend that they each be read, starting with #1.

There are common themes that run through all Seven Sisters books with variations, depending on the personal story of each sister, and their birth background.

The Moon Sister – Seven Sister Series #5

The Moon Sister is the fifth book in the Seven Sisters series by Lucinda Riley. The story of the fifth sister goes from the beauty of the remote Scottish Highlands to the mysterious gypsy caves of Granada, Spain, just as the civil war is throwing the country into chaos. This is the story of two amazing women, one a wildlife consultant and the other, a world acclaimed flamenco dancer. Both girls are searching for their truth and their beginnings.

Published in November 2018
742 Pages

The Sun Sister – Seven Sister Series #6

The sixth instalment of the Seven Sisters series, The Sun Sister is the epic tale that takes the reader from the bustling streets of Manhattan to the vast, open plains of Africa. The Sun Sister is very much a story of love and loss. Blending history, romance, family saga and family secrets, Electra, the sixth sister, struggles to cope with her glamorous life as one of the world’s top models, and the emptiness she feel. She has a very strong feeling of not belonging that she doesn’t understand. This story is about Electra’s search to find her birth family, a story that spans generations and continents.

Published October 2019
848 Pages

Missing Sister – Seven Sister Series #7

The seventh book in this series is about the missing sister. Until now, the six sisters have been unaware of the existence of an older sister. In this book they set out on individual. journeys to solve the mystery. They have no idea who she is, where she is, the circumstances of her birth, or why she has been kept secret until now. With only one clue they travel to New Zealand, France, Canada, England and Ireland, as they try to find their missing sister. As they gather up small snippets of information they eventually are able to make sense of a story of love and sacrifice that began almost 100 years earlier.

Published April 2020
294 Pages

My Thoughts

I have always loved a door stop size family saga, and The Seven Sisters, certainly is doorstop size and is also a breathtaking family saga. Apart from being unputdownable, I found these books to be unpredictable and at times devastating. Each book, features great examples of strong and remarkable female characters who are very easy to fall in love with and cheer for.

Lucinda Riley’s writing takes readers on an emotional journey, uniting family, solving a family mystery, and history.

Link to my reviews of the first four books in this series:

The Seven Sisters by Lucinda Riley. Seven Sisters Series #1

The Storm Sister by Lucinda Riley. Seven Sisters Series #2

The Seven Sisters Series #3 and $ 4

Star Rating 

Please note that my star rating system isn’t at all based on literary merit, but is based on my enjoyment for the book.
For me a book that gets five stars, is a book that I really enjoyed, and found difficult to put down.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Unputdownable. Would read it again.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Fantastic read. Not to be missed

⭐️⭐️⭐️ Enjoyable. Would recommend it.

⭐️⭐️ Wouldn’t read it again.

⭐️ Don’t recommend this book at all.

The book mentioned in this post is of my own choice, and has not been sent to me to review. My opinions are my own and I receive no renumeration at all for them.

Have you read this book? If so, I’d love to hear your thoughts. I promise to always reply to comments made below.

To keep up with the latest book reviews, please pop your email into the box in the side bar. This will ensure you are notified of all updates.

Find me here: Facebook and Instagram and Goodreads

© 2024 Copyright. all rights reserved: bestbookishblog.com

Book Review: The Women by Kristin Hannah

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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“An intimate portrait of coming of age in a dangerous time and an epic tale of a nation divided” – Goodreads

The Women by Kristin Hannah highlights the experiences of the Army nurses who were involved in the Vietnam War. Frankie, the daughter of a wealthy family, enlists as an Army nurse. This shocks her family and community, who cannot understand her decision.

Frankie’s time in the combat zone of Vietnam, soon takes a toll on her, as she faces dreadful wounds, napalm and the horrifying experiences of war. Her determination and strength keep her driving herself forward, and prevent her from breaking down. She is confronted by gut wounds, insecurity and the indifference of her family and friends at home.

Unexpectedly, Frankie finds that when she comes home, nobody realises, or seems to care about what she has been through. The Vietnam veterans are not treated as war heroes in their own country and Frankie has trouble settling back into the everyday life of her past.

My Thoughts

The chaos and misery come alive through the vivid word descriptions of the author. The chaotic misery of the Vietnam combat zone comes alive through the authors vivid descriptions. We get to witness the courage and compassion of the nurses as they do what they have to do, as quickly as possible to repair the horrors caused by war.

I loved the way that music was inserted into the story, bringing up memories of home for the nurses. In 1966, the year that this book is set, I was twelve years old. Even though I wasn’t even a teenager, the music referred to brought up so many memories for me. There were The Doors, The Beatles, The Turtles and many others.

I’ve read many books about war history, but never read anything about the Vietnam War. Even though I know some facts about the Vietnam War it really is the unknown war to me. After reading The Women, I understand much more about the war, the controversy and the experiences of the Army nurses.

In this book, Kristin Hannah has emphasized the importance of the experiences of women during the war, and their very real struggle to reassimilate afterward.

This is another book from Kristin Hannah that is well worth reading, and that explores the experiences of women in a difficult situation.

Quotes:
“I guess I have to feel lucky to have known him and to have learned from him. Too damn many lessons to learn over here, but one that’s for sure is this – life is short. I don’t know if I ever really believed that before. I do now.”

“Not much time here for grief, even though there is plenty of cause.”

Star Rating 

Please note that my star rating system isn’t at all based on literary merit, but is based on my enjoyment for the book.
For me a book that gets five stars, is a book that I really enjoyed, and found difficult to put down.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Unputdownable. Would read it again.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Fantastic read. Not to be missed

⭐️⭐️⭐️ Enjoyable. Would recommend it.

⭐️⭐️ Wouldn’t read it again.

⭐️ Don’t recommend this book at all.

The book mentioned in this post is of my own choice, and has not been sent to me to review. My opinions are my own and I receive no renumeration at all for them.

Have you read this book? If so, I’d love to hear your thoughts. I promise to always reply to comments made below.

To keep up with the latest book reviews, please pop your email into the box in the side bar. This will ensure you are notified of all updates.

Find me here: Facebook and Instagram and Goodreads

This post is linked to the Historical Fiction Reading Challenge 2024

© 2024 Copyright. all rights reserved: bestbookishblog.com

A Woman of Courage by Tania Blanchard

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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Summary

A gripping historical novel that was inspired by actual events. Set in Northern England in 1890, this is the story of a young woman named Hannah Todd. Hannah dreams of a future where women have the right to vote and is very passionate about the cause.

Hannah has recently qualified as a school teacher and joins her parents in a small English village. The suffrage movement is the cause which inspires her most and she works tirelessly to help the local women and children. As she campaigns for the vote for women, she faces unexpected battles and uncovers dangerous secrets in the community.

My Thoughts

As a lover of historical fiction, especially when it’s based on fact, I loved this book. Hannah is a strong woman with very strong morals who has many battles to fight. Just living in the village becomes a battle for her. I’ve read many non fiction books about the suffragettes, and this book brought back everything that I have previously read, but brought to life through the strong female characters in this novel. The author has woven history, romance and female strength into this captivating story of actual events in history.

Another very important thing that appeals to me about this book, is that I love this cover.

Quote:
“Hannah Todd dreams of a future where women have the right to vote. Fresh from her teaching studies in Durham, the university city, she joins her parents in a rural village, brimming with newly found passion and the groundswell towards women’s suffrage unfolding in London. Working tirelessly to help women and children in the county, Hannah is determined to make the fight for the vote her life’s work, adding her voice to the rising chorus across the nation and hopes of a new world and a new way of thinking. But soon she must fight a new, unexpected battle – that of the yearning of her own heart – and discovers that when power is threatened, darkness, brutality, and dangerous, closely guarded secrets are never too far from the surface. How far can she go to fight for what’s right“.

Star Rating 

Please note that my star rating system isn’t at all based on literary merit, but is based on my enjoyment for the book.
For me a book that gets five stars, is a book that I really enjoyed, and found difficult to put down.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Unputdownable. Would read it again.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Fantastic read. Not to be missed

⭐️⭐️⭐️ Enjoyable. Would recommend it.

⭐️⭐️ Wouldn’t read it again.

⭐️ Don’t recommend this book at all.

The book mentioned in this post is of my own choice and has not been sent to me to review. My opinions are my own and I receive no renumeration at all for them.

Have you read this book? If so, I’d love to hear your thoughts. I promise to always reply to comments made below.

To keep up with the latest book reviews, please pop your email into the box in the side bar. This will ensure you are notified of all updates.

Find me here: Facebook and Instagram and Goodreads

© 2024 Copyright. all rights reserved: bestbookishblog.com

Book Reviews: Seven Sisters Series #3 and #4

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The Seven Sisters series is loosely based on the mythology of the star constellation known as the Pleiades, or more commonly, the Seven Sisters. The books follow the exploits of a group of adopted siblings who, following the death of their father, follow the clues he left them, that would enable them to find their birth families. These clues take them to different places around the world and lead them to families, and situations that they mostly would never have expected to find. Each novel is stand alone, and it’s not at all necessary to read the complete series, but I would recommend that they each be read, starting with #1.

There are common themes that run through all Seven Sisters books with variations, depending on the personal story of each sister, and their birth background.

Some of the common themes are:

  • Finding their true identity and heritage after being adopted by a mysterious billionaire
  • Dealing with family secrets, betrayals, and tragedies that span generations and continents.
  • Overcoming their fears, and insecurities that prevent them from finding happiness.
  • Exploring different countries and cultures as they follow the clues to their past.

The Shadow Sister – Seven Sisters #3

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

The third of the Seven Series books tells the story in two timelines, of one of the sisters, Star D’Apliese and Flora MacNichol, two women who are connected by a mysterious inheritance and a very old secret. She follows the clues left to her by her father, which lead her to London. There she meets a family, and learns about their ancestor, Flora, who lived in the Edwardian era and had a close relationship with King Edward VII. There Star finds a connection to her own family.

The Pearl Sister – Seven Sisters #4

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

The Pearl Sister, follows CeCe D’Apliese, who struggles after the death of her father. The clue he left her leads her to Australia, where she tries to discover not only her past, and her birth family, but who she is and where her sense of belonging lies. This book is filled with evocative details of Australia including the people, the animals and nature. The story is seamlessly wound around the setting and the need to find family. The past and the present exist in two timelines, which are simple and easy to follow.

My Thoughts

After reading four books in this series, I haven’t tired of reading about The Seven Sisters. I have really enjoyed the historical aspects of these stories and the search for long lost families. These books are all long and average about 700 pages, but once starting them, I haven’t been able to put them down. Each of them has gotten under my skin, and I’ve found myself disappointed when I’ve read the last page. I have been trying to space them out, so the fun lasts a bit longer, but now that I’m getting closer to the last book, I’m finding that I just can’t wait to pick up the next book.

Links to reviews of book #1 and book #2
The Seven Sisters by Lucinda Riley – Seven Sisters #1
The Storm Sister by Lucinda Riley – Seven Sisters #2

Star Rating 

Please note that my star rating system isn’t at all based on literary merit, but is based on my enjoyment for the book.
For me a book that gets five stars, is a book that I really enjoyed, and found difficult to put down.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Unputdownable. Would read it again.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Fantastic read. Not to be missed

⭐️⭐️⭐️ Enjoyable. Would recommend it.

⭐️⭐️ Wouldn’t read it again.

⭐️ Don’t recommend this book at all.

The books mentioned in this post is of my own choice and has not been sent to me to review. My opinions are my own and I receive no renumeration at all for them.

Have you read this book? If so, I’d love to hear your thoughts. I promise to always reply to comments made below.

To keep up with the latest book reviews, please pop your email into the box in the side bar. This will ensure you are notified of all updates.

Find me here: Facebook and Instagram and Goodreads

© 2024 Copyright. all rights reserved: bestbookishblog.com

Book Review: Secret Sparrow by Jackie French

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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Summary

There were women who fought during WW1, who were not nurses or ambulance drivers. This is the story of one of those women, Jean, who is a sixteen year old Post Office assistant in a small village in England. Jean wins a morse code competition, which leads to the British army offering her a secret position, in France, as a signaller. This was a very important job as the signals she was receiving and forwarding could win the war for Britain. After the war, all documents mentioning the women who did this work were destroyed, leaving no evidence of the role the women took in the trenches and the battles.

The story also goes ahead to decades later, when an old woman on a motor bike is rescued from flash floods by a young person. While they were waiting to be rescued, she tells him the story of her life, as a signaller, and about her experiences of the war, and the friends she lost.

Published 01 January 2023, by Harper Collins
256 Pages.

My Thoughts

As usual Jackie French’s historical novels are based on very thorough research. This story had me captivated from the start and, being a short book, I read it one night. There was no way I was going to put it down. I have read a couple of books about the female signallers, but had never read that they were unacknowledged by the army after the war. The author explains this and the difficulties she had in her research, in the author’s note in the back of the book.

Even though the women were working in the army, they were employed by the postal service, which meant there was no record at all that they existed.

The story goes between two timelines – during war time in 1917, and many years later when the story is told by the signaller, as an old person. The transitions between the two time periods were smooth and flowed naturally.

Based on a story, The Secret Sparrow is an amazing story of adventure and courage. This very important story, restores the record of the brave women who had an important place in history. The record that authorities tried to erase, has been restored.

This book is categorised at Young Adult, but don’t be deterred by that. It would be a great read for anyone over twelve and also for adults interested in the subject of war history.

Star Rating 

Please note that my star rating system isn’t at all based on literary merit, but is based on my enjoyment for the book.
For me a book that gets five stars, is a book that I really enjoyed, and found difficult to put down.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Unputdownable. Would read it again.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Fantastic read. Not to be missed

⭐️⭐️⭐️ Enjoyable. Would recommend it.

⭐️⭐️ Wouldn’t read it again.

⭐️ Don’t recommend this book at all.

This post is linked to the historical fiction reading challenge run by The Intrepid Reader

The book mentioned in this post is of my own choice and has not been sent to me to review. My opinions are my own and I receive no renumeration at all for them.

Have you read this book? If so, I’d love to hear your thoughts. I promise to always reply to comments made below.

To keep up with the latest book reviews, please pop your email into the box in the side bar. This will ensure you are notified of all updates.

Find me here: Facebook and Instagram and Goodreads

© 2024 Copyright. all rights reserved: bestbookishblog.com

Book Review: The Ski Trip by Sarah Clarke

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⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Summary

When four friends go on a skiing trip to the French alps, their trip comes to a sudden end when one of their group dies while skiing. His wife travels to France to collect his body, but when she arrives, there are unexpected problems, that keep her in France longer than expected.

Zoe can’t help but wonder if her husband’s death was an accident or murder.

Published September 2023
Kindle edition, 333 pages

My Thoughts

This book had multiple suspects, an interesting story line, and unforeseen twists and turns. until the ending, which I found was quite predictable and disappointing. I did enjoy most of the story, but found some of the personalities annoying, and the relationships between those in the group, and their behaviours were a bit difficult to believe.

At times this was quite a tense psychological thriller, but it was spoiled by a predictable ending. I loved the first half of this novel, but the middle left me very cold and seemed to drag on a bit. There were times towards the end that I was tempted to give up and not finish.

Star Rating 

Please note that my star rating system isn’t at all based on literary merit, but is based on my enjoyment for the book.
For me a book that gets five stars, is a book that I really enjoyed, and found difficult to put down.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Unputdownable. Would read it again.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Fantastic read. Not to be missed

⭐️⭐️⭐️ Enjoyable. Would recommend it.

⭐️⭐️ Wouldn’t read it again.

⭐️ Don’t recommend this book at all

💫 Half Star

The book mentioned in this post is of my own choice and has not been sent to me to review. My opinions are my own and I receive no renumeration at all for them.

To keep up with the latest book reviews, please pop your email into the box in the side bar. This will ensure you are notified of all updates.

Find me here: Facebook and Instagram and Goodreads

© 2024 Copyright. all rights reserved: bestbookishblog.com

Book Review: Lola in the Mirror by Trent Dalton #audiobook

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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Summary

“Bighearted, gritty, magical and moving, Lola in the Mirror is the irresistible new novel from international bestselling author of Boy Swallows Universe and All Our Shimmering Skies , Trent Dalton.

‘Mirror, mirror, on the grass, what’s my future? What’s my past?

A girl and her mother are on the lam. They’ve been running for sixteen years, from police and the monster they left in the kitchen with the knife in his throat. They’ve found themselves a home inside an orange 1987 Toyota HiAce van with four flat tyres parked in a scrapyard by the edge of the Brisbane River – just two of the 100,000 Australians sleeping rough every night.

The girl has no name because names are dangerous when you’re on the run. But the girl has a dream. Visions in black ink and living colour. A vision of a life as a groundbreaking artist of international acclaim. A life outside the grip of the Brisbane underworld drug queen ‘Lady’ Flora Box. A life of love with the boy in the brown suit who’s waiting for her in the middle of the bridge that stretches across a flooding and deadly river. A life far beyond the bullet that has her name on it.

And now that the storm clouds are rising, there’s only one person who can help make her dreams come true. That person’s name is Lola and she carries all the answers. But to find Lola, the girl with no name must first do one of the hardest things we can sometimes ever do. She must look in the mirror.

A big, moving, blackly funny, violent, heartbreaking and beautiful novel of love, fate, life and death and all the things we see when we look in the mirror. All of the past, all of the present, and all of our possible futures. ‘Mirror, mirror, please don’t lie. Tell me who you are. Tell me who am I.” – Goodreads

Audiobook released by Bolinda/Harper Collins audio in 2023
Duration 13 hours 39 minutes
Narrator: Victoria Graves

My Thoughts

This story about a young girl with no name really touched my heart. It was tough and gritty, sad but also had it’s soft side, and at times it was very funny. Lola in the Mirror is at it’s heart, a love story, though at times it is brutal and hard to read. The author has approached the issue of homelessness in a very clever way, and at the same time, created an amazing story.

Once I started reading Lola, I couldn’t stop. I absolutely loved reading this book with it’s beautiful words and very strong, but vulnerable characters. There is so much heartbreak, but hope, love and friendship survive despite the sadness and heartbreak.

Lola in the Mirror is a roller coaster of emotions, with moments of violence, that are extremely disturbing, but there are also many very soft and gentle moments. There is so much that I would love to say about this book, but I don’t want to spoil anything.

I read this book without reading the back cover, so I had no idea what it was about. The reason I chose to read it, was my love for this popular Australian author’s previous books. There was no disappointment at all. From the first page Lola in the Mirror took my breath away.

“My mum never warns me about boys in cars. My mum only warns me about child protection officers in cars.”

“Mirror, mirror, on the grass, what’s my future? What’s my past? … Mirror, mirror, please don’t lie. Tell me who you are. Tell me, who am I?”

Each chapter begins with a sketch that is absolutely perfect to the story, and a great addition. I loved the way the author inserted himself into the story. That made me smile. There is every chance that this book, my second of 2024 could be my favourite book of 2024. As I listened to the audio book, I now have Lola in the Mirror on my list to re-read as a paper book or kindle.

In my opinion, Lola in the Mirror is brilliant and a ‘must read’. Also a warning, you will need tissues.

Star Rating 

Please note that my star rating system isn’t at all based on literary merit, but is based on my enjoyment for the book.
For me a book that gets five stars, is a book that I really enjoyed, and found difficult to put down.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Unputdownable. Would read it again.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Fantastic read. Not to be missed

⭐️⭐️⭐️ Enjoyable. Would recommend it.

⭐️⭐️ Wouldn’t read it again.

⭐️ Don’t recommend this book at all.

The book mentioned in this post is my own choice and has not been sent to me to review. My opinions are my own and I receive no renumeration at all for them.

To keep up with the latest book reviews, please pop your email into the box in the side bar. This will ensure you are notified of all updates.

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© 2023 Copyright. all rights reserved: bestbookishblog.com

Book Review: The Inheritance by Norah Roberts – Lost Bride Trilogy #1

Posted on by
14

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Summary

Inheritance is the first in The Lost Bride Trilogy, set in multiple time periods, from 1806 to present day.

The story starts in 1806, the wedding day of Astrid Poole, the happiest day of her life. Almost immediately after her marriage, and before it can be consummated, she is murdered, and her wedding ring is stolen from her finger.

Centuries later, Sonya MacTavis is shocked when she is told that her father had a twin, that he and the family knew nothing about. As part of this new information Sonya learns about a surprise inheritance, which included a majestic Victorian house, just outside a lovely little village on the coast of Maine. Part of the conditions of the will are that she lives in the house for at least three years.

Sonya cannot resist the opportunity that the inheritance offers her, both financial and the chance to find out more about her new family. Soon after arriving, there is talk that the old house is haunted, and it doesn’t take long until strange things start happening.

Published November 2023
419 pages

My Thoughts

I fell in love with this book as soon as I saw the cover. I rarely read blurbs, so the cover was the only reason I decided to read this book. Sometimes this system of choosing a book to read, lets me down, but not this time.

Inheritance had everything that is easy to love in a historical fiction novel, an inheritance, a haunted gothic mansion, an unknown family, and the opportunity to start a new life. Also, I shouldn’t forget to mention there was romance. Along with all that, this novel was unputdownable.

Usually, I would rate a book that had that effect on me, as five stars. The only thing that stops me doing that with this book, is a few conversations that I found to be a bit cheesy, fake and predictable. Other than that, I loved this book. I love historical fiction, but I’m not a huge fan of historical romance, however, this book had everything else that I love in a historical fiction novel.

Inheritance is historical romantic fiction with an unusual story line and great characters. There were very positive positive strong females and female relationships. They were mothers and daughters and close female friends. Add in a haunted house, dogs and food, and I would highly recommend this book.

Inheritance is the first book in the Lost Brides Trilogy., ending with a great cliff hanger. I am eagerly waiting for the second book, but will have to be patient as it is not released until late 2024.

Star Rating 

Please note that my star rating system isn’t at all based on literary merit, but is based on my enjoyment for the book.
For me a book that gets five stars, is a book that I really enjoyed, and found difficult to put down.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Unputdownable. Would read it again.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Fantastic read. Not to be missed

⭐️⭐️⭐️ Enjoyable. Would recommend it.

⭐️⭐️ Wouldn’t read it again.

⭐️ Don’t recommend this book at all.

This post is linked to the Historical Fiction Reading Challenge 2024

The books mentioned in this post are of my own choice and have not been sent to me to review. My opinions are my own and I receive no renumeration at all for them.

Have you read this book? If so, I’d love to hear your thoughts. I promise to always reply to comments made below.

To keep up with the latest book reviews, please pop your email into the box in the side bar. This will ensure you are notified of all updates.

Find me here: Facebook and Instagram and Goodreads

This post is linked to Natalie’s Weekend Coffee Share

© 2024 Copyright. all rights reserved: bestbookishblog.com