Independent reviews of your favourite books & role play games
The Funny Farm by Jackie Moffat
Mrs Boris enjoyed Jackie Moffat’s engaging anecdotes of life on Rowfoot, a small dairy and stock rearing farm in Cumbria. Hoping to lead “the good life” after leaving London behind, Jackie is eager to experience country life, but sometimes the reality of coping with the four footed residents leads to hilarious antics and sometimes tears. Well written, amusing and at times heart-rending, this book will appeal to country lovers and armchair farmers alike. Mrs B has often day-dreamed of living a country life, but given Boris’ addition to accumulating “treasures” (useless rubbish to Mrs B) the thought of old barns and sheds going to Boris’ head makes her think again.
Useless rubbish indeed! Just wait,Mrs B, until the ‘Antiques Roadshow’ comes to town. You’ll be glad then that I rescued that old bicycle from out of that ditch and don’t forget that old cardigan of Val Doonigan’s I got cheap at that celebrity auction at the football club dinner. That’ll be worth a packet one day! Boris
In your dreams Boris, you’d have to bribe someone to wear that! Besides, everyone else knew it was the vicar’s old one that he wore when gardening! Mrs Boris
The Personal Shopper by Carmen Reid
As a personal shopper in an exclusive London store, Annie is committed to helping her clients to re-invent and restyle themselves. Although frantically busy juggling work and being mum to her stroppy teenager Lana and shy son Owen, she is still trying to find time to make a personal commitment to herself by finding a new man. It seems easier to find the perfect pair of shoes, but surely the perfect partner is out there somewhere? An amusing tale by Carmen Reid, a new writer to Mrs Boris, but one she will look out for again. Mrs B recommends it for those who love reading and shopping.
Mrs B is also a personal shopper for Boris and Ethelred, but would love to experience this for herself.
Mrs Boris
Mrs Boris
Whitethorn Woods By Maeve Binchy
Rossmore is no longer a peaceful little Irish town. Prosperity has brought major traffic problems and a new by-pass has been proposed. The proposed route will go through Whitethorn Woods and the ancient well dedicated to St Ann, thought by some to have spiritual properties, dismissed by others as mere superstition. Many however come to the well to ask the saint for help and many wish to preserve the site for good. ‘Whitethron Woods’ tells the stories of some of these people as they wait for the outcome of the road’s progress. A lovely heart-warming story, well written with humour and compassion.
Mrs Boris found this a very restive read , after a fraught week dealing with domestic appliances breaking down and a sulky computer and consequently a sulky Boris.
Mrs Boris
Mrs Boris
The Venetian House by Mary Nickson
Victoria was left an orphan at six and her grandmother’s home on Corfu, known as the Ventian House has always meant refuge and contentment. Brought up in England by her aunt, Corfu always brought long summer holidays with her cousin Guy and his friend Richard, where they forged a lifelong friendship. Victoria loved brilliant, but selfish Guy, but it was the quiet, likeable Richardwhom she married. Years later after Richard’s shocking death, Victoria flees to her childhood refuge with her young son. There she tries to find the truth about her marriage and Richard’s secret. When Photographer Patrick Hammond arrives, a friendship develops between them. Patrick has his own problems in his rocky marriage to Rachel. Victoria’s grandmother, Evanthi, sees something familiar in Patrick and is forced to face her own troubled past.
A sweeping, beautiful novel set between Corfu and England, exploring relationships in the present day and re-visiting those lost in the days before the Second world War. Mrs Boris
Orphans of the Storm by Katie Flynn
This is the latest of Katie Flynn’s family sagas based around Liverpool and Australia. Jess and Nancy become close friends whilst nursing together during the Great War. Both lose their fiances in the fighting and the future looks bleak upon their return to Liverpool. Nancy is determined to make a new life and goes out to Australia to marry a ranch manager in the Outback. Despite the harsh living conditions she thrives in her new life and makes a success of her marriage. Jess eventually finds a new love and happiness in family life. When the Second World War breaks out Nancy’s son Pete arrives in Liverpool determined to find his mother’s old friend. Jess’s home has been destroyed however and her daughter Debbie is missing. Pete searches desperately to find them both. An enthralling story of love and determination, this will appeal to anyone who likes Evelyn Hood’s books or Judith Saxton.
Queen Mum by Kate Long
Ally is best friends with her neighbour, the glamorous go-ahead Juno. Ally is content with her safe life, husband, son and lovely home in a good area and she fears change.Then Juno makes a surprising decision - she has signed up to appear on ‘Queen Mum’, a reality TV programme. She will change places with another family and live a completely different life for two weeks while the other mum moves in next door to Ally. Juno is energised about her prospects of reforming her borrowed family, but Ally is nervous about things. She knows how drastically things can change in an instant and dreads being forced to confront events from her past.
Kate Long’s incisive, witty novel skilfully interweaves sadness and humour and shows how the camera can reveal uncomfortable truths. Mrs Boris
Yes Mrs B, we all know about that! Don’t we? He he he! Boris
Of course Boris is talking about those dreadful photos of him taken on the football club outing. What did you say you were doing on the Helter Skelter, Boris? . Mrs Boris
Behaving Badly by Isabel Wolff
Miranda Sweet hasn’t had much luck in her love-life and finds animals much easier to deal with. Ex-Vet and now animal behaviourist, Miranda decides to give up on love and has opened her own clinic to help neurotic pets and their grateful owners. Her best friend Daisy a wedding planner, thinks she’s given up too soon and when she meets the enigmatic photographer David, even Miranda has second thoughts. Then the closely guarded secrets of Daisy’s past catch up with her and she has to deal with the consequences.
Mrs Boris enjoyed this one very much, especially the meetings with Llamas. This romantic novel will divert and move readers.
Mrs Boris
Mrs Boris
Yes Mrs B, I take the hint. If we win the Lottery we’ll buy several acres and you can have as many Llamas as you like! Boris
The Madness of Modern Families
A wry and witty look at all aspects of modern family life, from anticipating pregnancy to waving the resulting offspring goodbye as they leave the nest. If life seems complicated these days, this book may well offer some explanations. Definitely from the dark side of Planet Parenting.
Mrs B wonders if people really go to the lengths to compete with each other and give their children the best start in life. And she thought supervising Boris & Ethelred kept her busy! Mrs Boris
H, I remember my childhood very well, Windmill Pie, if there was enough it went around and the old tin bath in front of the fire. Those were the days! Boris
Weekend in Paris by Robyn Sisman
Riled by her chauvinistic boss’s taunt that she is only a stupid secretary, Molly walks out of her job and away from the weekend conference in Paris she had spent weeks preparing for. On impulse she goes to Paris anyway aboard the Eurostar and embarks on a roller coaster weekend ride of adventure and self discovery. A new friend helps Molly to give her ex-boss his comeuppance and Molly finds love with a local artist and also the answer to a life-long secret. An elegant, funny, romantic comedy, this book is very entertaining with some perceptive under currents to the story. It will appeal to anyone who likes Katie Fforde and Julie Astley.
And God Created the Au Pair by B Newland & P Smets
Charlotte lives in London with her family and emails her sister Nell who has recently moved to Canada. The correspondence between them and various friends reveals all the ups and downs of chaotic family life and weird neighbours, unruly children and how to cope with it all. When Charlotte acquires an au-pair life isn’t necessarily easier, but soon she wouldn’t be without her. This book had Mrs B in fits of laughter. Strangely, Boris looked very worried when Mrs B proposed having an au-pair to help with the housework saying she’d have more time to spend with Boris. Is he worried about Mrs B finding out about his latest project in the garden shed, or has he a guilty secret? Mrs B will soon find out as usual.
Boris once had the idea of having an Au Pair, but I soon put a stop to that, besides it wouldn’t have done his blood pressure any good. Mrs Boris
Little Girl Lost by Katie Flynn
One cold night, Sylvie Dugdale accidentally falls into the river Mersey. Brendan O’Hara, an off duty constable, plunges in to rescue her. He is greatly attracted to her, but Sylvie is married and her husband is in prison. When Sylvie confesses her plight to him, Brendan decides to help her escape from Liverpool and arranges for her to stay with his cousin in Dublin. While in Dublin, Sylvie meets Maeve, a crippled girl who will change all their lives, even after Sylvie returns to Liverpool and life with her husbands family.
An engaging family saga, with much vivid detail of life in the slums of Dublin and Liverpool. As usual, Mrs B enjoyed this book by Katie Flynn, who is one of her favourite writers. Mrs Boris
The Ex-Wife’s Survival Guide by Debby Holt
Sarah Stagg thought her life was idyllic, country cottage, twin boys and a loving husband. Then her husband leaves her for his young leading lady in the amateur dramatics, her sons leave for India and Sarah is suddenly alone. Forced to acquire some survival skills, Sarah receives some unexpected help from ‘friends’. Coerced into taking on a delinquent dog and starring in the next Ambercross Players’ production of ‘Rebecca’, Sarah learns how to cope and find a new life. A warm hearted, sharp-witted tale of modern village life which will appeal to anyone.
Mrs Boris is considering writing the ‘Husband’s survival guide’. Although Boris can programme a computer ( Mrs B doesn’t deem to try that), the workings of a washing machine seem strangely quite beyond his talents! Mrs Boris
‘Warning of Gales by Annie Sanders
A tongue-in-cheek look at the pleasures and pitfalls of sharing a holiday home with friends. Imogen booked the holiday and is dismayed to find it slightly different form its web-site pictures. Still she organises every thing and everyone with military precision causing some dismay to single mum Jo. In turn, Imogen is jealous of Jo’s good looks and impeccable grooming. Sophie with her more laid-back attitude just wishes that they would all just relax and enjoy the holiday as their brood of children try to. But is Imogen’s life as perfect as it seems and should Jo have the courage to trust a new relationship to work?
Mrs Boris enjoyed this one and found that it brought back some memories of family holidays that she had experienced. Perhaps Boris’ favourite(staying at home) has something to recommend it after all!
Mrs Boris
Mrs Boris
Living Dangerously by Katie Fforde
Polly is content with her single celibate life with her cat for company, a cottage ideal for one and a cat and a Rayburn for warmth. Her friends and her mother however disagree and seem anxious to see her married. Dodging all their efforts, Polly juggles work in the ‘Whole Nut Cafe’, campaigning to ‘Save our High Street’ and her ambitions to become a potter. She doesn’t feel that she has the need or time for a relationship, or does she?
One of Katie Fforde’s early fizzing social comedies, wittily depicting rural life & friendships Mrs Boris
Dead Weight by John Francome
Top jockey Paul Nicholas has everything going for him, marriage to his beautiful wife Julia, successful career with a leading trainer, until a crashing fall robs him of his nerve on his return to racing. Flash backs of the fall haunt Phil’s mind and freeze him in the saddle. While trying to get back on form, fellow jockey Adrian Moore is viciously attacked, followed by attempts on a trainers life and threats to his family. A vendetta has begun by someone determined to stop people involved in racing who appear to be cheating the public. Phil has to take action to find out what’s happening and when his wife is threatened, he needs to recover his nerve fast.
An exciting, tense thriller by John Francome sure to appeal to anyone who enjoys a who-done-it or horses. Mrs B is a keen fan of Dick Francis too and finds both writers equally entertaining. Mrs Boris
Every Secret Thing by Emma Cole
Journalist Kate Murray has a brief conversation with an old man who claims to know her Canadian grandmother. He speaks of a mystery, a long forgotten murder and a wish for justice to be done. Moments later the man is killed in a hit and run accident and Kate learns that he was called Andrew Deacon and seems to have been involved in some way in her grandmother’s past. Kate returns to Canada to talk to her grandmother and makes some surprising discoveries related to her grandmother’s war- time past and her involvement with the dead man. Soon Kate is on the trail to find out the truth and discovers that some secrets don’t want to be told. She finds that her investigations are putting herself and others in danger and discovers that an unknown and sinister enemy is stalking her. Kate realises that she will need all her journalistic instincts and skills if she is to find the answers she is seeking from the past in order to have a future.
Husbands & Other Lovers by Jane Elizabeth Varley
Susannah seems to lead a perfect family life with a successful career , a beautiful home and an enviable lifestyle. Her marriage is in trouble however, because of her husband Jame’s drinking and the painful memories it raises about Susannah’s past. Jame’s brother Robert is a control freak, determined to stay at the top of his field, but the women in his life are the victims of his success. Firts wife Tabitha is still trying to gain freedom for her and her daughters, his girlfriend Jasmine stands to lose everything and his new love Natasha doesn’t really know Robert well as yet. Will she become his next victim? A compelling read about modern relationships and marriages which will appeal to fans of Joanna Trollope and Adele Geras.
Mrs Boris found this one while browsing the shelves during the weekend shop, without Boris, so there was time to scan the important shelves of books and Cds at leisure. Boris also likes the shelves, but lingers too long by the chocolate, cakes and beer for his waistline, in Mrs B’s opinion. Mrs Boris
Marked by PC & Kristin Cast
Zoey Redbird has been marked by a Tracker and chosen as a pupil for the exclusive boarding school, the House of Night. But this is a school for Vampyres and Zoey is now a fledgling Vampyre. Her old life is now over and though glad to leave family life and her religious control-freak step-father, she will miss her friends, especially Heath, her boyfriend. Zoey flees to her beloved grandmother but an accident leaves her unconscious and the Goddess Nyx appears to her in a dream vision Zoey realises she must follow Nyx’s wish and join the school to fulfil her destiny. It seems Zoey is a unique kind of fledgling and this causes problems with certain other pupils but she soon finds her own circle of friends and begins to make a new life. The only catch is, not every fledgling survives to become a Vampyre and those who fail must die.
Mrs Boris was a keen fan of vampire films in her teens and thoroughly relished this novel. Boris blames a certain cousin for Mrs B’s renewed enthusiasm with vampires since recommending the Twilight books to her. This series is sure to appeal to older Twilight readers and is definitely Mrs B’s book of the month and a recommended read. Will appeal to the inner teenager of anyone who enjoy vampires and an exciting story.
Note of reassurance to Boris – Remember Mrs B’s bark was always worse than her bite! Mrs Boris
Note of reassurance to Boris – Remember Mrs B’s bark was always worse than her bite! Mrs Boris
Wedding Season by Katie Fforde
Sarah Stratford is a wedding planner with a cynical secret - she doesn’t believe in love, well not for herself anyway. Then as the confetti blows away at yet another success story of a June wedding, she finds herself committed to organising two very different weddings, both on the same day, only two months away. Fortunately Sarah has two experienced friends to help. Elsa is a talented dress designer who avoids the limelight and Bron is a multi-talented hairdresser who lives with her boyfriend. As the wedding day draws closer, all three need their skills and patience to cope. As all their working hours are frantically spent in preparations and remedying all the setbacks to the weddings of the year, surely there isn’t time for love in their own lives, or is there?
More of Mrs Boris’ Recommended Reads? Go There Now? Click Here
North Child by Edith Patou
Rose was born facing north and superstition has it that such children will face a lonely, icy death. Determined to protect her youngest child from such a fate her mother decides never to tell Rose the truth. Rose is a mischievous little girl, always in trouble and determined to travel. The family are beset with problems causing severe hardship and when help comes in the arrival of a great white bear, Rose willingly agrees to his bargain. In return for help Rose must leave her family and go with the bear. She travels on the bear’s back to a mysterious castle, warm and full of beautiful furniture and artefacts. With only two servants to tend her every need, Rose enjoys her solitary days at first. Unable to leave the castle she begins to wish for companionship and occupation. A silent stranger appears to her each night but will never speak to her. Her curiosity leads Rose to discover who this is and incurs dreadful consequences. Now she must begin a quest to fulfil her true destiny and save the one she loves.
This enchanting tale was inspired by the Norwegian fairy tale East of the Sun and West of the Moon and would appeal to older children and adults alike. Mrs B loved this one and thinks it a must for fans of fairy tale legends and fantasy. Mrs Boris
Tales from the Country Matchmaker by Patricia Warren
Since forming the Farmers’ and Country Bureau over twenty years ago and run from her home in the Peak District, Patricia Warren has helped many couples find love and companionship many of them had despaired of having. She started match making at an early age with her dolls and now has many marriages to her credit. Her warmth and patience have helped many people and here she tells us about some impossible to please. An amusing heart warming read that also shows the reality of Country life.
A bit of matchmaking brought Mrs B & Boris together. Boris at the time(and still is if the truth be known) a dedicated fan of his local football team and followed them home & away. A friend brought Mrs B (who is not a fan of football) to a game, they were introduced & shortly after got married! Ps Boris still supports his local team. Boris
