Mrs B’s Good Reads
In The Wee Small Hours by Gil McNeil
Mrs Boris really enjoyed this book by Gil McNeil and intends to read its predecessor, ‘Only boy for me’. ‘In the wee small hours’ Annie is finding that life can get a bit complicated, trying to juggle her job and look after her son Charlie who is officially pagan and keen on getting a pet pheasant. Her pregnant sister Lizzie wants Annie as her birthing partner and friend Kate is having an affair with her own ex-husband, whilst her other friend Leila has also got a new man in her life. Then, Mack, Annie’s ex-boy friend comes back from New York and things get really interesting.
An Auctioneer’s Lot by Philip Serrell
Some thoughtfully written anecdotes from Philip Serrell’s early days as an auctioneer. Along the way treasure has been found in decaying barns and some items worth less than their owners hoped for, leading to some amusing and at other times poignant stories. The characters are as varied as their possessions and just as colourful. A very good read for anyone who likes to think they’ve an eye for a bargain and will find that Ming vase in a country showroom.
One-hit wonder by Lisa Jewell
Ana Wills’ sister, Bee Bearhorn had a successful number-one hit single in 1985 and then disappeared into obscurity. Fifteen years later, Bee is found dead and no-one seems to care. Despatched by her mother, Ana goes to London to clear Bee’s flat, wishing that she knew what had happened to Bee since the breakdown in family relations several years ago. Slowly, Ana begins to unlock the tragic secret of Bee’s past, finding along the way the truth, Bee’s hideaway cottage, her missing cat and her weekends away. A well-written social comedy with some touching, poignant episodes, this is one of Lisa Jewell’s best.
Meeting Point by Roisin McAuley
Claire Watsonhas planned the ideal holiday, lazing by the pool, leisurely meals with old friends and sightseeing with her son, Sam, the last thing she expects is a holiday romance. When she meets John Rock the attraction between them is instant, but Claire thinks that they have met before. Claire begins to remember a case she was involved in as a police officer in Northern Ireland. Memories of what seemed to be a tragic accident, her own troubled marriage and her old life start to emerge. Was John Rock briefly in her life at the time. When past and present collide, Claire is unprepared for all the secrets and consequences revealed.
Picture Perfect English Villages
A beautiful book to encourage the armchair traveller to visit the villages featured. The photographs in full colour are spectacular and each village is described well with snippets of history and customs. Boris and Mrs B have visited some of the places more than once and have not been banned as yet, mainly thanks to Ethelred’s best behaviour and keeping Boris firmly under Mrs B’s thumb on occasions.
Taking Tea With Clarice Cliff
A must for anyone who likes Clarice Cliff and Art Deco, providing lots of gorgeous photographs and the history of her pottery and its impact upon the Art Deco age. There are some personal recollections from people who knew and worked with Clarice which add to the interest. Mrs Boris loves the designs and found this book to be a fascinating read.
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Mistress of the Art of Death by Ariana Franklin
As a pilgrim band approaches medieval Cambridge, among their number is a renowned investigator and his aides, a young Arab and Adelia. She is a rare person in the Middle ages, a female doctor and an expert in the study of corpses. Their skills are desperately needed, as a child has been horribly murdered and other children have vanished. The Jews, who provide much of the King’s revenue are being held in the castle for their own safety, accused by angry townsfolk of the murder. Adelia needs all her skill and courage to investigate with the help of her companions. Along the way she makes unexpected friends, finds romance and unwittingly puts herself in great danger.
Brother & Sister by Joanna Trollope
Nathalie and David have always been close siblings, good friends and dutiful children to their parents. Now they are each settled with partners and families of their own, they are still close. Both were adopted after their loving parents found that they couldn’t have children of their own and always swore that being adopted made no difference. When Nathalie finds a sudden deep need to trace her natural parents she insists that David makes the same journey. She also finds that the answers to who we really are and where we come from may be harder to face than the questions. A touching novel that explores the need to know the truth with compassion and sharp perception.
No! I Don’t Want to join a Book club by Virginia Ironside
Marie Sharp has at last decided to keep a diary at the grand old age of nearly 60. She is thrilled to be getting older and eagerly awaits her free bus pass and concessionary prices for museums and cinemas. Along the way she muses on the problems of not enjoying dinner parties, should she want a new relationship and falling in love with her new grandson. A witty perceptive and poignant look at the joys of growing a little older.
My Best Friend’s Girl by Dorothy Koomson
Kamryn and Adele were best friend’s until Adele slept with Nate, Kamryn’s fiance and bore his child. When Kamryn later learns the truth her life is ripped apart and she flees London for a new life in Leeds, vowing to never see Nate or Adele again. Then Adele writes begging Kamryn to visit her in hospital, where she is dying and asks Kamryn to adopt Tegan, Adele’s daughter.
Kamryn has never wanted children and enjoys her life and career, but in this situation does she have any choice? Thus begins a journey into a new life for Kamryn and Tegan and slowly Kamryn comes to terms with the past, finds love and responsibility and understanding of herself. A moving, humorous , true to life novel of the ultimate betrayal, love and forgiveness.
Kamryn has never wanted children and enjoys her life and career, but in this situation does she have any choice? Thus begins a journey into a new life for Kamryn and Tegan and slowly Kamryn comes to terms with the past, finds love and responsibility and understanding of herself. A moving, humorous , true to life novel of the ultimate betrayal, love and forgiveness.
Callie’s Tally by Betsy Howie
A Humourous look at the true costs involved in raising one baby during the first year. Betsy Howie kept a running account of money spent on the requirements of her baby and the gifts that she received. The result is this thoughtful, irreverent real-life diary of her daughter’s first year of debt.
