THROWBACK THURSDAY –

Tags

Liz Trenow, meme, Throwback Thursday, WW2

Throwback Thursday meme is hosted by Renee@It’s Book Talk and is a way to share some of your old favourites as well as sharing books that you’re FINALLY getting around to reading that were published over a year ago. You know, the ones waiting patiently on your TBR list while you continue to pile more titles on top of them ! These older books are usually much easier than new releases to get a hold of at libraries and elsewhere. If you have your own Throwback Thursday recommendation feel free to jump on board, you’re welcome to use Renee’s pic as well. If you’d just link back to her @ It’s Book Talk she’d so appreciate it.

My choice this week is: The Last Telegram by Liz Trenow

From Goodreads:

Paperback, 400 pages

Published September 13th 2012 by Avon

 

The war changed everything for Lily Verner.

As the Nazis storm Europe, Lily becomes an apprentice at her family’s silk weaving factory. When they start to weave parachute silk there is no margin for error: one tiny fault could result in certain death for Allied soldiers.

The war also brings Stefan to Lily: a German Jewish refugee who works on the looms. As their love grows, there are suspicions someone is tampering with the silk.

Can their love survive the hardships of war? And will the Verner’s silk stand the ultimate test?

 

Oh how I devoured this book when I read it several years ago. It’s romantic, fascinating and thrilling. The perfect read for the beach or curling up inside when it’s pouring down with rain outside.

THROWBACK THURSDAY – The Making of Us by Lisa Jewell

Tags

20booksofsummer, England, meme, tbr mountain, Throwback Thursday, Watership Down

Throwback Thursday meme is hosted by Renee@It’s Book Talk and is a way to share some of your old favourites as well as sharing books that you’re FINALLY getting around to reading that were published over a year ago. You know, the ones waiting patiently on your TBR list while you continue to pile more titles on top of them ! These older books are usually much easier than new releases to get a hold of at libraries and elsewhere. If you have your own Throwback Thursday recommendation feel free to jump on board, you’re welcome to use Renee’s pic as well. If you’d just link back to her @ It’s Book Talk she’d so appreciate it.

My choice this week is: The Making of Us by Lisa Jewell

From Goodreads:

Paperback, 470 pages

Published May 10th 2012 by Arrow

Lydia, Robyn and Dean don’t know each other – yet.

They live very different lives but each of them, independently, has always felt that something is missing.

What they don’t know is that a letter is about to arrive that will turn their lives upside down.

It is a letter containing a secret – one that will bind them together, and shows them what love and family and friendship really mean…

I’ve literally just finished this as part of my 20 Books of Summer list and it was brilliant! I love Lisa Jewell’s books anyway and this really didn’t disappoint. It’s not a chicklit book either in case the cover makes you think that but it’s about the offspring of a sperm donor and all that that involves.

THROWBACK THURSDAY – SilverFin by Charlie Higson

Tags

20booksofsummer, England, meme, tbr mountain, Throwback Thursday, Watership Down

Throwback Thursday meme is hosted by Renee@It’s Book Talk and is a way to share some of your old favourites as well as sharing books that you want to read that were published over a year ago. You know, the ones waiting patiently on your TBR list while you continue to pile more titles on top of them These older books are usually much easier than new releases to get a hold of at libraries and elsewhere. If you have your own Throwback Thursday recommendation feel free to jump on board, you’re welcome to use Renee’s pic as well. If you’d just link back to her @ It’s Book Talk she’d so appreciate it.

My choice this week is: SilverFin by Charlie Higson the first book in the Young Bond series.

From Goodreads:

 

Paperback, 372 pages

Published March 3rd 2005 by Puffin Books

 

Before the name became a legend. Before the boy became the man. Meet Bond. James Bond.

There’s something in the water at Loch Silverfin. Something deadly. Something that must be kept secret…

It’s James Bond’s first day at Eton, and already he’s met his first enemy. This is the start of an adventure that will take him from the school playing fields to the remote shores of Loch Silverfin and a terrifying discovery that threatens to unleash a new breed of warfare.

This is a great book to start of a fun series that I had the pleasure of discovering whilst on holiday in Brittany a few years ago. Charlie Higson does a wonderful job revealing Bond as a teenager before he became the  chauvinist we know so well from the original Ian Fleming books.

THROWBACK THURSDAY

Tags

20booksofsummer, England, meme, tbr mountain, Throwback Thursday, Watership Down

Throwback Thursday meme is hosted by Renee@It’s Book Talk and is a way to share some of your old favourites as well as sharing books that you want to read that were published over a year ago. You know, the ones waiting patiently on your TBR list while you continue to pile more titles on top of them These older books are usually much easier than new releases to get a hold of at libraries and elsewhere. If you have your own Throwback Thursday recommendation feel free to jump on board, you’re welcome to use Renee’s pic as well. If you’d just link back to her @ It’s Book Talk she’d so appreciate it.

My choice this week is: Maisie Dobbs by Jacqueline Winspear, the first in the mystery series of the same name.

Published  May 25th 2004 by Penguin

From Goodreads:

Maisie Dobbs isn’t just any young housemaid. Through her own natural intelligence—and the patronage of her benevolent employers—she works her way into college at Cambridge. When World War I breaks out, Maisie goes to the front as a nurse. It is there that she learns that coincidences are meaningful and the truth elusive. After the War, Maisie sets up on her own as a private investigator. But her very first assignment, seemingly an ordinary infidelity case, soon reveals a much deeper, darker web of secrets, which will force Maisie to revisit the horrors of the Great War and the love she left behind.

 

I discovered this book when my library first made digital downloads available a few years ago. I love Maisie’s character and the period is fascinating to me. I’ve read and listened to others in the series and always look forward to discovering a new one. Definitely recommend if you enjoy cosy mysteries.

THROWBACK THURSDAY

Tags

20booksofsummer, England, meme, tbr mountain, Throwback Thursday, Watership Down

Throwback Thursday meme is hosted by Renee@It’s Book Talk and is a way to share some of your old favourites as well as sharing books that you want to read that were published over a year ago. You know, the ones waiting patiently on your TBR list while you continue to pile more titles on top of them These older books are usually much easier than new releases to get a hold of at libraries and elsewhere. If you have your own Throwback Thursday recommendation feel free to jump on board, you’re welcome to use Renee’s pic as well. If you’d just link back to her @ It’s Book Talk she’d so appreciate it.

My choice this week is: Watership Down by Richard Adams

Published 1972 by Penguin

From Goodreads:

 

Watership Down is one of the most beloved novels of our time. Sandleford Warren is in danger. Hazel’s younger brother Fiver is convinced that a great evil is about to befall the land, but no one will listen. And why would they when it is Spring and the grass is fat and succulent? So together Hazel and Fiver and a few other brave rabbits secretly leave behind the safety and strictures of the warren and hop tentatively out into a vast and strange world. Chased by their former friends, hunted by dogs and foxes, avoiding farms and other human threats, but making new friends, Hazel and his fellow rabbits dream of a new life in the emerald embrace of Watership Down…

 

I’ve been promising my teenage son for ages that I’ll read this and he still doesn’t believe me, even as I’m typing this! It’s on my #20BooksofSummer list so I’m definitely reading it soon. Have you read it or like me just seen the film?

 

 

THROWBACK THURSDAY

Tags

Charton Minster Series, ChocLit, England, family drama, favourites, Margaret James, meme, Throwback Thursday

Throwback Thursday meme is hosted by Renee@It’s Book Talk and is a way to share some of your old favourites as well as sharing books that you want to read that were published over a year ago. You know, the ones waiting patiently on your TBR list while you continue to pile more titles on top of them 🙂 These older books are usually much easier than new releases to get a hold of at libraries and elsewhere. If you have your own Throwback Thursday recommendation feel free to jump on board, you’re welcome to use Renee’s pic as well. If you’d just link back to her @ It’s Book Talk she’d so appreciate it.

My choice this week is: The Penny Bangle by Margaret James

Published 2012 by Choc Lit

From Goodreads:

“When should you trust your heart?
It’s 1942 when Cassie Taylor reluctantly leaves Birmingham to become a land girl on a farm in Dorset.

There she meets Robert and Stephen Denham, twins recovering from injuries sustained at Dunkirk. Cassie is instantly drawn to Stephen, but is wary of the more complex Robert – who doesn’t seem to like Cassie one little bit.

At first, Robert wants to sack the inexperienced city girl. But Cassie soon learns, and Robert comes to admire her courage, finding himself deeply attracted to Cassie. Just as their romance blossoms, he’s called back into active service.

Anxious to have adventures herself, Cassie joins the ATS. In Egypt, she meets up with Robert, and they become engaged. However, war separates them again as Robert is sent to Italy and Cassie back to the UK.

Robert is reported missing, presumed dead. Stephen wants to take Robert’s place in Cassie’s heart. But will Cassie stay true to the memory of her first love, and will Robert come home again?

This is the third book in the wonderful Charton Minister Series by Margaret James. This was just as good as the first and second book with the story set during Word War Two. I listened to the audiobook superbly narrated by Patricia Gallimore and I kept having to remind myself that it was just one person doing all the male and female voices. If the name is familiar to anyone who likes the Archers on BBC Radio 4 it’s because she plays Jill Archer.

I definitely recommend this if you enjoy romances and historical fiction.

 

THROWBACK THURSDAY

Tags

Charton Minster Series, ChocLit, England, family drama, favourites, Margaret James, meme, Throwback Thursday

Throwback Thursday meme is hosted by Renee@It’s Book Talk and is a way to share some of your old favourites as well as sharing books that you want to read that were published over a year ago. You know, the ones waiting patiently on your TBR list while you continue to pile more titles on top of them 🙂 These older books are usually much easier than new releases to get a hold of at libraries and elsewhere. If you have your own Throwback Thursday recommendation feel free to jump on board, you’re welcome to use Renee’s pic as well. If you’d just link back to her @ It’s Book Talk she’d so appreciate it.

My choice this week is: The Golden Chain by Margaret James

Published 2011 by Choc Lit

From Goodreads:

“Can first love last forever?

1931 is the year that changes everything for Daisy Denham. Her family has not long swapped life in India for Dorset, England when she uncovers an old secret.

At the same time, she meets Ewan Fraser – a handsome dreamer who wants nothing more than to entertain the world and for Daisy to play his leading lady.

Ewan offers love and a chance to escape with a touring theatre company. As they grow closer, he gives her a golden chain and Daisy gives him a promise – that she will always keep him in her heart.

But life on tour is not as they’d hoped, Ewan is tempted away by his career and Daisy is dazzled by the older, charismatic figure of Jesse Trent. She breaks Ewan’s heart and sets off for a life in London with Jesse.

Only time will tell whether some promises are easier to make than keep …”

This is the second book in the wonderful Charton Minister Series by Margaret James. This was just as good as the first book, but this time I listened to the audiobook superbly narrated by Julie Teal.

I definitely recommend this if you enjoy romances and historical fiction.

 

THROWBACK THURSDAY

Tags

Charton Minster Series, ChocLit, England, family drama, favourites, Margaret James, meme, Throwback Thursday, WW1

Throwback Thursday meme is hosted by Renee@It’s Book Talk and is a way to share some of your old favourites as well as sharing books that you want to read that were published over a year ago. You know, the ones waiting patiently on your TBR list while you continue to pile more titles on top of them 🙂 These older books are usually much easier than new releases to get a hold of at libraries and elsewhere. If you have your own Throwback Thursday recommendation feel free to jump on board, you’re welcome to use Renee’s pic as well. If you’d just link back to her @ It’s Book Talk she’d so appreciate it.

My choice this week is: The Silver Locket by Margaret James

Published 2010 by Choc Lit

From Goodreads:

“If life is cheap, how much is love worth?
It’s 1914 and young Rose Courtenay has a decision to make. Please her wealthy parents by marrying the man of their choice – or play her part in the war effort?
The chance to escape proves irresistible and Rose becomes a nurse. Working in France, she meets Lieutenant Alex Denham, a dark figure from her past. He’s the last man in the world she’d get involved with – especially now he’s married.
But in wartime nothing is as it seems. Alex’s marriage is a sham and Rose is the only woman he’s ever wanted. As he recovers from his wounds, he sets out to win her trust. His gift of a silver locket is a far cry from the luxuries she’s left behind.
What value will she put on his love?”

 

This was a lovely surprise of a read. I came across it on Twitter when the author was doing a cover reveal for her latest book. Well one thing led to another and I ended up downloading the whole book after enjoying the sample on Kindle. I just had to find out what was going to happen between the main characters with the  I loved the ‘will they won’t they’ plot. The World War One details were fascinating and I learnt a lot about the nurses situations, including the existence of ambulance trains transporting the wounded between the front lines and the ports.
I definitely recommend this if you enjoy romances and historical fiction.

 

THROWBACK THURSDAY

Tags

dark, England, family drama, favourites, meme, paperback, Throwback Thursday

Throwback Thursday meme is hosted by Renee@It’s Book Talk and is a way to share some of your old favourites as well as sharing books that you want to read that were published over a year ago. You know, the ones waiting patiently on your TBR list while you continue to pile more titles on top of them 🙂 These older books are usually much easier than new releases to get a hold of at libraries and elsewhere. If you have your own Throwback Thursday recommendation feel free to jump on board, you’re welcome to use Renee’s pic as well. If you’d just link back to her @ It’s Book Talk she’d so appreciate it.

My choice this week is: Daughter by Jane Shemilt

Published 2014 by Penguin

From Goodreads:

“Jenny is a successful family doctor, the mother of three great teenagers, married to a celebrated neurosurgeon.

But when her youngest child, fifteen-year-old Naomi, doesn’t come home after her school play, Jenny’s seemingly ideal life begins to crumble. The authorities launch a nationwide search with no success. Naomi has vanished, and her family is broken.

As the months pass, the worst-case scenarios—kidnapping, murder—seem less plausible. The trail has gone cold. Yet for a desperate Jenny, the search has barely begun. More than a year after her daughter’s disappearance, she’s still digging for answers—and what she finds disturbs her. Everyone she’s trusted, everyone she thought she knew, has been keeping secrets, especially Naomi. Piecing together the traces her daughter left behind, Jenny discovers a very different Naomi from the girl she thought she’d raised.”

This was a fantastic read that had me hooked from the first few pages. The writing was beautiful and the characters very real. I could probably read this again in a few years time even though I know the story. It was such a joy to read even though the subject matter was dark.

 

THROWBACK THURSDAY

Tags

favourites, food, italy, meme, nicky pellegrino, paperback

Throwback Thursday meme is hosted by Renee@It’s Book Talk and is a way to share some of your old favourites as well as sharing books that you want to read that were published over a year ago. You know, the ones waiting patiently on your TBR list while you continue to pile more titles on top of them 🙂 These older books are usually much easier than new releases to get a hold of at libraries and elsewhere. If you have your own Throwback Thursday recommendation feel free to jump on board, you’re welcome to use Renee’s pic as well. If you’d just link back to her @ It’s Book Talk she’d so appreciate it.

My Pick this week is: The Italian Wedding by Nicky Pellegrino

 Published February 5th 2008

“Settled in London and with their own delicious slice of home in the form of Beppi’s restaurant, “Little Italy,” the Martinelli’s are a typical Italian family—fighting, eating, and loving in equal measure.Now, Pieta’s sister Addolorata is getting married. Since Pieta is a bridal designer it falls to her to make the wedding gown. But she is distracted by a series of family mysteries. Why is her father feuding with another Italian in the neighborhood? Why is her mother so faded and sad? And could the man she’s always held a torch for really be getting married to someone else? As Pieta stitches and beads her sister’s wedding gown she uncovers the secrets that have made her family what it is and that stand between her and happiness. The Italian Wedding is a feast of food and love. It’s about discovering who your family really are. And who you really want to be.”

This was a random library read from 2011 that I loved and thoroughly recommend if you enjoy family mysteries and mouth-watering descriptions of delicious Italian food.