Kitchen Essays By Agnes Jekyll. Review

This book was first published in 1922 by Thomas Nelson and Sons , it has most recently been published by Persephone books in the UK. 

This is a nostalgic account of recipes and home cooking in the early 1900's that

would be rare to find in a home nowadays . These recipes and anecdotes are told in a conversational mannor making them enjoyable to read about if a little horrifying to contemplate eating in present day. 

I really enjoyed seeing the difference between the food choices between then and now and even though I would be unlikely to use this as a cook book it makes for an interesting read about the running of households in past times with plenty of humour and memorable paragraphs included . I would recommend this to anyone with an interest in early 1900's or with an interest in the history of cookery.

Below please find a link to this book on the Persephone website:

http://www.persephonebooks.co.uk/kitchen-essays.html

Mini Haul

Cheerful Weather For The Wedding by Julia Strachey

The Home-Maker by Dorothy Canfield Fisher

Kitchen Essays by Agnes Jekyl

Good Wvening Mrs Cravwn by Mollie Panter Downes

All books were published by Persephone Books in the UK.

Below please find a link to their website:

http://www.persephonebooks.co.uk/

Reading This Weekend

It's cold here at the moment so I have this candle lit making the entire house smell like a bakery.

Heidi by Johanna Spyri. I have been reading this slowly. 

Kitchen Essays by Agnes Jekyl

The Hone-Maker by Dorothy Canfield Fisher

Good Evening Mrs Craven by Mollie Panter Downes

Agatha Raisin And The Day The Floods Came by M.C Beaton. Review

First thing you should know is that I am a huge fan of M.C Beaton , the second is that Agatha Raisin is one of my top five heroines in cozy mystery books. 

In this book Agatha is off on holiday , having been disappointed and let down by men yet again she finds herself needing a break from the village of Carsley .

 In this book a woman is found drowned wearing a wedding dress and there is a lot more to this case then meets the eye especially when Agatha does some digging of her own with the help from her friends and a good wig!

 Agatha is full of doubt about herself in this book but comes across as a pushy overbearing sort to those who don't know her . She is still suffering with heartbreak for James who she truly loved and even though he is far from Carsley it has done nothing to help the situation . She has a kind heart and loves deeply and fast which usually leads her into trouble , but this is one of her least loved up stories. 

Mrs Bloxby and Roy are back in this book and I love the friendships she shares with these two especially Mrs Bloxby. It's such a sweet friendship and she always has Agatha's back . If you are a fan of this series then this book does not disappoint .I listened to the audio version but please find a link to the paperback below . 

Below please find a link to this book :

http://www.bookdepository.com/Agath-Raisin-and-the-Day-the-Floods-Came-M-C-Beaton/9781849011457?ref=grid-view

Cheerful Weather For The Wedding by

This book was first published in 1932 by The Hogarth Press and most recently by Persephone Press in London. 

This is a really gentle story about the run up to the wedding of a young woman called Dolly Thatcham. This is a fairly typical family , with the same hopes , dreams , and fears on the countdown to walking down the aisle . This novella is a sweet read with relatable characters and it is a feel good story . The narrator of the story is primarily Dolly, she is a little bit of a minx but wholly likeable. I would recommend this to anyone with a fondness for books set in the earlier part of the 1900's . Delightful!

Below please find a link to this book where you will find out some more information about the author and this book:

https://www.persephonebooks.co.uk/content/persephoneforum/persephone-book-no-38-cheerful-weather-for-the-wedding-by-julia-strachey/

Closed Casket by Sophie Hannah . Review

Hercule Poirot is back and this time he is in Ireland in Co. Cork . He has been asked there by Lady Playford who is about to announce the change of her will to her family and those closest to her .Lady Playford is a famous writer and she has asked a number of people to be present ,but many are questioning the  motives behind this decision, it's almost like a plot of a good story  . The story hooked me from the opening chapter when it was clear that this was going to be a fun mystery to try and solve .

The story is told through the eyes of Catchpool , an inspector from Scotland Yard ,and we get to see a well rounded view of all the guests through his eyes. 

There are many twists and turns in the book and I did not see them coming, one things for sure , most people are not what they seem . I would recommend this to all fans of  Sophie Hannah and Agatha Christie.

I received this book or review from the lovely people over at Lovereading.co.uk

This book is being published September 2016 and will be available from Lovereading and all other good bookstores then .

Below please find a link to this book on the lovereading website:

https://www.lovereading.co.uk/book/16260/Closed-Casket-The-New-Hercule-Poirot-Mystery-by-Sophie-Hannah-Agatha-Christie.html

The Haunting Of Jessop Rise by Danny Weston . Review

This is the story about a young orphan boy called William who is living in a workhouse when one day he is summoned and told his uncle has requested that he can come live with him , so off he goes to his new life in Wales.

It's not very long at all until young William realises that there is much more to his new home than meets the eye and especially the dark and menacing Uncle Seth . 

The story has good and bad guys ,and for the first half of the book I was trying to figure out who was who . I loved the history of Jessop Rise , the large and imposing house and it's dark and eerie past as well as the mystery surrounding  his uncles wife. I read this very fast as I was eager to know who was hiding what. 

This is the perfect read for those who like mystery, eerie settings and a main character who has a good dose of curiosity . Loved this ! Read it on a dark and stormy night

I was sent this book from the lovely people over at Lovereading4kids.co.uk

This book is going to be published September 2016 and will be available from Lovereading4kids.co.uk and all other good bookstores then . Below please find a link to this book on the 

Lovereading4kids.co.uk website:

http://www.lovereading4kids.co.uk/book/9781783444618/The-Haunting-of-Jessop-Rise-by-Danny-Weston.html

Mariane by Monica Dickens . Review

This story is about a young girl called Mariane known as Mary. It takes us from her adolescence to being an adult,  and from country to country ,although the majority of the story takes place in England. Mary comes from a comfortable family background , she has an uncle called Geoff who is an actor who she looks up to and thinks the world off , he is a humourous character , and a little irresponsible , but you can't help but like him. Mary is a day dreamer and worrier , her life is a gentle one to read about and  her family are delightful. Some of my favourite parts of the book take place in Paris where Mary goes to train in dress making with the intention of coming home and helping out her family , her time there is very enjoyable and she really grows as a woman  . What I liked about the book was that from her young years to adulthood she retained her youthful outlook and day dreaming quality that a lot of people lose as they grow older . It's a very laid back story , perfect for lazy Sunday afternoons with a large cup of tea. 

This book is available from Persephone Books through the link below :

http://www.persephonebooks.co.uk/mariana.html

Beck by Mal Peet . Review

This is the story about a young man called Beck who lives in England in the early 1900's. This young man goes through many an upheaval in his young life and finds himself on the boat to America where a whole new future and opportunities await him but not everything is as it seems and not everyone are as they at first seem . Reading this gave me a lump in my throat , the treatment of him  made me angry and sad but seeing his strength and bravery was heartwarming . 

I read this in one sitting as I got invested in his character and I needed to see how his life was going to work out, and where he would end up . I was glad I did . My favourite character was Grace's grandmother , I loved her spirit and her loving warmness to Beck.

I received this book for review from the lovely people over at Lovereading4kids. This book is being published September 2016 and will be available from Lovereading4kids and all other good bookstores then. Below please find a link:

http://www.lovereading4kids.co.uk/book/9781406331127/Beck-by-Mal-Peet-Meg-Rosoff.html

What's A Girl Gotta Do by Holly Bourne. Review

This is the story about a young woman called Lottie who after getting sexually harassed on her way to college one day decides she has had enough of being treated like this by men as she is going about her day to day life and so decides to do something about it with the help of her friends . 

This book really opened my eyes to sexism , feminism and what it is to be female in this day and age . I felt a range of emotions while reading this book and completely loved Lottie's gumption despite her fears and the walls she came up against . I think if you are a female of any age ,parts of this book will resonate with you , I finished it , sat back and thought of all the sexism I have seen in my life and well done to this author for bringing this subject to light with Lottie's very likeable character . 

The story was inspired by the authors own expierence with sexual harassment , there was moments of deep sadness , but  it was very inspiring what she did with that horrible experience . 

I received this book for review from the lovely people over at Lovereading4kids.

This book is being published August 2016 and will be available from Lovereading4kids and all other good bookstores then. 

Below please find a link to this book :

http://www.lovereading4kids.co.uk/book/9781474915021/What-s-a-Girl-Gotta-Do-by-Holly-Bourne.html

Lydia by Natasha Farrant . Review

Being a big fan of Pride and Prejudice I was so excited to get to read this book about the boldest member of the Bennett family . Lydia's story takes place at the same time as the original Pride and Prejudice so it's easy to jump into the story if you are already familiar with the plot. Mary gives Lydia a journal for her to keep in the hope it will improve her sister , so begins a look into this outgoing Bennett sisters life in diary form. Seeing the story from Lydia's perspective is an eye opening experience and she is just as outspoken as you would expect her to be . Reading about her adventures while away from her family and on holiday is an eye opening experience , she has a need to show off at every available oppertunity and in her letters home to her family she does this as often as possible . This was a delightful story and it would make a great read for any fan of Pride and Prejudice.  

I received this book for review from the lovely people over at Lovereading4kids.

This book is being published September 2016 and will be available from Lovereading4kids and all other good bookstores then . Below please find a link to this book on the Lovereading4kids website:

http://www.lovereading4kids.co.uk/book/9781910002971/isbn/noredirect

   

The Day I Lost You by Fionnuala Kearney

When a young woman called Anna goes missing during a skiing holiday Avalanche  it quickly becomes clear that hope is minimal.

For Anna's mum it is heartbreaking,  waiting to hear news about her daughter is taking everything out of her. Anna has a young daughter who is now being cared for by her mum , but her mum needs huge support too. The longer Anna is missing the more her mum begins to learn about her and worry , her eyes are opened by the things she learns as she begins to realise that she really did not know her at all. This is a story about secrets and lies and just how well we really do know those around us and closest to us. 

I received this book for review from the lovely people over at Lovereading.co.uk

This book is being published August 2016 and will be available from Lovereading.co.ukand all other good bookstores then .

Below please find a link to this book:

 http://www.lovereading.co.uk/book/9780007593996/isbn/noredirect

The Secret Diary of Hendrik Groen Aged 83 1/4 Years Old.Review

This non fiction account of the ups and downs of Hendrik Groen is a humourous read . Living in a retirement home he has plenty of material to fill a book with and I am so glad that he did . 

The book contains his day to day life in diary format , details of his health, friendships , fears and hopes . There was plenty of moments in the book where you just sit back after reading a paragraph and just take in what he has said to you, he slips in details that often made a lump form in my throat , it's often deeply thought provoking , sometimes laugh out funny , sometimes tearjerking. This is a year in the life of what it is like for someone in a home, how they are treated , what they do, the things that matter most to them and I am so glad I got to read it. I just hope after he finished this he picked up his pen again and carried on writing. I recommend this book to any fans of non fiction diarys .

I received this book for review from the lovely people over at Lovereading.co.uk

This book is being published August 2016 and will be available from Lovereadjng and all other good bookstores then.

Below please find a link to this book:

http://www.lovereading.co.uk/book/9780718183004/isbn/noredirect

My Sunday

It's been a funny old week . The weather has been hit or miss all week with the chances of getting drenched pretty high. With one afternoon dry we got the fence painted and gate made with a little heart in its centre. This will lead into vegetable garden . Flowers are taking an awful long time to bloom , the weather has confused them and I hope they will flower after all the care I have put into them. 

I moved my veg from my mini green houses into my big greenhouse this week . It was so exciting , after all the work to get them all ( almost ) in there . I popped my sun chair outside it on the paving we put down . I had to get my book out too ,so that evening I sat for an hour with my book listening to the bees buzzing in the hedge and water trickling into the pond. Perfect!

As I have been sick these two things above have been a daily comfort . 

I finished reading Hendrik Groen's nonfiction account of his life in a retirement home, it left me with a lump in my throat and hopes he will continue to write his diary. If you get a chance pick up this book .

I am listening to a cosy mystery by Leighann Dobbs- Ghostly Paws is a fun mystery set in a very quaint town. Highly recommend. I forgot how much I love cozies. It has a great narrator too. The ebook was free last week so it might be worth checking to see if it still is. 

Anyway guys I am off to bed with my books. Wishing you a great sleep and a good week. Xxx

Reading This Weekend

It's been a dreadful week of sickness in our house with even family off to hospital and it's not over yet . I am typing this in bed feeling very under the weather . I am not eating and it feels like the alien from the Alien films is trying to bust out through my stomach , where's Ripley when you need her! 

That being said I have these awesome books to read and listen to until this god awfulness leaves. 

The Day I Lost You by Finnoula Kearney   (YA) . This is an emotional read and a tear jerker . 

Heidi ( Puffin In Bloom) by Johanna Spyri

The Secret Diary Of Hendrik Groen 83 1/4 years Old ( non fiction) I have laughed and cried reading this book . 

Beck by Mal Peet . This books cover has me intrigued . 

Still Listening to Neil Gaiman , The View From The Cheap Seats . Awesomeness! 

I am halfway through each of these books except Beck which I am starting today . Each book is wonderful but very different . Expect reviews on these books very soon . 

Until tomorrow guys , have a lovely Saturday xxxxx

Reading This Week

The weather has been drizzly with a side of wind and showers , perfect book reading weather . I am craving summer reading material set in summer time so I can daydream that the sun is shining here. 

Murder On A Summer's Day by Frances Brody

The English Breakfast Murder by Laura Child's

Wicked Weaves by Joyce and Jim Lavene

Eggs Benedict Arnold by Laura Child's

Bound For Murder by Laura Child's

Shakespeare's Counselor by Charlaine Harris

Shakespeare's Christmas by Charlaine Harris

Reading This Weekend

Hi guys !Happy July! It's hard to believe we are into July already . I hope you have all had an awesome week so far , my back is still acting up so its off to get sorted this week.  It's been raining every day here on the west coast of Ireland with the odd glimpse of sunshine , I am itching to sit outside in the evenings with my book but unless I want hypothermia and a good soaking I would be better of staying in. Saying that , my plants are loving it, no need to water them at all , the poor nuggets need life preservers . Anyway on with the books!

The Secret Diary Of Hendrik Groen 83 1/4 Years Old ( non fiction)

The Light Of Paris by Eleanor Brown( fiction)

The Queen Of The Tearling by Erika Johansen

Spooks ,The Dark Army by Joseph Delaney

 Nightbird by Alice Hoffman

In Other Words by Jhumpa Lahiri

The Light Of Paris by Eleanor Brown . Review

This gorgeous story takes place in Paris and Chicago. It is about two women from the one family , Madeline in the 90's in Chicago and her grandmother Margie in Paris during the Jazz age  ,where she was a free spirit . What I loved about both these women was that they had an unconventional outlook on what way their life should look , and what they needed to do to make themselves happy . They were kindred spirits living in very different times but with the same types of problems making me wonder does life really ever change that much no matter how much we learn and progress , the most basic human emotions remain the same. The story puts great emphasis on the importance of staying true to yourself if you want to be truly happy and I found myself agreeing with the author . This book is the literary equivalent of chocolate cake and whipped cream.   

I received this book for review from the lovely people over at Lovereading.co.uk

This book is being published July 2016 and will be available from Lovereading and all other good bookstores then. 

Below please find a link to this book:

http://www.lovereading.co.uk/book/16133/The-Light-of-Paris-by-Eleanor-Brown.html

The Witch's Kiss by Katherine & Elizabeth Corr . Review

This story is based around a young woman called Meredith. Merry comes from a long generation of witches . Their history is a tragic one with a curse that is now coming to fruition . It now falls on Merry to save her family from the curse that had started before she was even born. I really enjoyed this story , especially the parts with Merry and her grandmother, they are likeable characters and you are rooting for them !

I enjoyed the back story of the family too and how they have come to the position that they are in now ,and the story kept me interested throughout especially as there is a good build up of tension and a sense of urgency. Loved it!

I received this book for review from the lovely people over at Lovereading4kids.co.uk

This book is being published July 2016 and will be available from Lovereading4kids and all other good bookstores then. 

Below please find a link to this book:

http://www.lovereading4kids.co.uk/book/12886/The-Witch-s-Kiss-by-Kate-Corr-Elizabeth-Corr.html