City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert

Good afternoon, Bookaholics. As you know I usually read crime but I am stepping out of my comfort zone reading wise and I would encourage you to do the same. Lockdown is a time for trying new things when many of us have the time to do it.

This isn’t the usual type of book I read but I was looking for something completely different. I was a little unsure whether this would be the book for me but I don’t mind telling you, I was completely seduced. Elizabeth Gilbert is a brilliant writer. This is evident in every single word which she uses to good effect to draw me to a crescendo of emotions one minute followed by a diminuendo the next. It is some time since I have been so emotionally involved in a book. The story is told by an elderly lady, Vivian, to the unknown (to the reader), Angela. It is, at its most simple, the story of Vivian’s fascinating life. It is so much deeper than this, however. It is a microcosm of New York from the 1940’s onwards and the story of a group of people who live, work and love there. It is the story of a crumbling theatre and the people who work there. It is the story of awakening sensuality and sexuality, and yet is done with such sensitivity that the reader is drawn in. It is all of that and so much more I loved this book. I genuinely could not stop reading and desperately wanted to know what happened and who Angela was. A brilliantly executed story of the lives of a group of artistic temperaments who gel and are drawn toward each other. The characterisation is the best I have read and I read a lot. I would highly recommend this book to all women whether you read this genre or not. Elizabeth Gilbert is my new favourite author and I cannot wait to read more by her.





So as you can see, Bookaholics a fabulous book. I’m off to try another, so I’ll be back soon. If you haven’t read this one, seriously, buy it. You won’t regret it.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for an ARC of this book. At no point was I asked to write a positive review and my review is based on my reading, and enjoyment, of the book.

Book Review - Sent: Living a Life That invites others to Jesus

Hello, Bookaholics, I’m back with another great book for you, this time for my Christian readers. Sometime a book comes along and you just have to share how good it is. This is one such book. 

Humanity is currently living in difficult times, However, we are also living in unique times, especially for Christians. We are in a unique position to lead our Christin lives, showing God’s love to those around us. In this book, the authors, Heather and Ashley Holleman issue a rallying call to lead our lives as sent - sent by God to those in whom we come into daily contact with. Those in our neighbourhoods, streets, offices, schools, and workplaces. They state the three pillars of leading a Sent Life as being

God is always working to bring people to himself

God uses people (us) to lead others to him

God invites us into the work of evangelism

Invites us right where we are, right now, right in this place. The book acts as both a rallying cry and a road map, to seek a deeper relationship with God and to seek relationships with others. From these relationships will grow a longing and a willingness to share God with others. 

The authors are skilled writers, who have a genuine love for God and for seeing others come to a personal relationship with him. This book reflects that in every page. There are exercises at the end of the chapters which you are encouraged to carry out. Both the book and the exercises are bible driven and rooted in scripture, as well as prayer,  at every stage. The book is designed that you can work through it as an individual or small group. 

This is a book which every Christian should read, it will transform your approach to Christianity and to evangelism. Whilst it is not yet out, it can be pre-ordered. 

Thank you to the publishers and Netgalley for an ARC of this book for review purposes. At no point was I asked to provide a positive review and my review is my own opinion based on my reading of the book.

   

That’s it for another day, My Bookaholics friends. This is well worth ore-ordering. You won’t regret it. 

Book Review: The Music Box Enigma

Good afternoon, Bookaholics. If you like historical mystery with both grit and humour, have I got a book for you.

Having read, and thoroughly enjoyed, The White Feather Killer, bu this author, I was keen to read this latest book. R.N. Morris is fast becoming my favourite author and Silas Quinn my favourite detective. The victim is a thoroughly loathsome character and if someone hadn’t bumped him off, I might have been tempted myself. Quite frankly I’m not sure why anyone would want to investigate the murder but justice has to be done. Silas Quinn is a brilliant character - dogged, determined and clever. The cast of characters who surround him are bumbling and brilliant in turn. The addition of Edward Elgar as both a composer and a special Constable is a stroke of genius.  The story is part gritty crime, part P.G. Wodehouse and it works.  It trots along at a fair pace keeping the reader interested.. To borrow an overused phrase, there’s a twist you will never see coming. In this case it is seriously true. The ending was extraordinary and I was stunned. The historical aspect is well researched, well written and interesting, giving a sound basis for the setting and context. A superbly written book which I would highly recommend. 

It isn’t out quite yet but as we are all currently in lockdown this is one to pre-order and get reading the minute it is out.  

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the Advanced Reader Copy. I was not asked to write a positive review but as you can see, I loved it.

See you soon, Bookaholics, with another great review.  Until then, keep reading. 

The Christmas Fair Killer

Hello Bookaholics. I’ve a great in store for you today.

I would like to start by saying thank you to the publisher Severn House for the ARC of this book.

Amy Patricia Meade is a new author to me but I like cozy mysteries and as this had a literary and culinary theme, I was sold. I am so glad I found both the book and the author and I will be reading more of her books. I like the lighthearted fun but it is also a strong mystery.

The premise of the book is that the body of a young actress is found in a trailer for visiting Thespians at a Christmas Fair. The main character, Tish Tarragon has been hired to cater for the cast and crew of the production and, on finding the body, is catapulted into solving a murder. There is intrigue and red herrings aplenty and of course all those involved have a backs Tory and secrets to hide. All this, taken together, leads to a well written story which made me want to keep reading. There were laugh out loud moments. So, why four stars  instead of five. For me, it was a little slow to get going and I felt much of the first chapter was taken up with describing the literary name for various sandwiches and meals. I would have liked the storyline to start a little quicker. However, that may just be me and it soon picked up and the book rattled along. A great read which I thoroughly enjoyed.

Whilst this book isn’t out at the time of writing, you can preorder it and I would recommend that you do.  Well worth reading.

See you soon with another great book review. Until then, keep reading.