November was a month where I didn’t get much reading done, most of the time was spent either on writing or on research. I think I have mentioned that my book Fire & Ice was accepted for publication. Of course, I am thrilled, but a lot of hard work is needed to get the book out into the world. So I have spent time working with an editor rather than reading.
A Question of Thyme by Jan Jones
An easy to read and appealing story. Jen’s herb and garden business make her the least successful of her siblings, but an opportunity to create a 1915 herb garden for a tv show is too good to miss. Drama doesn’t just happen on TV, but when making it too. While the rather reclusive next door neighbour Theo could be a help or a hindrance.
How to Hygge, The Secrets of Nordic Living by Signe Johansen
Hygge- cosiness- a feeling of comfort.Simple practical advice about reconnecting with ourselves, getting back into nature, eating and cooking for pleasure styling a house and living a more authentic life. Enjoyable and part of my research into the contemporay Nordic culture.
The Viking World by James Graham Campbell
Interesting, packed full of details of Viking life, whether as raiders or farmers. Well researched. With lots of detail of voyages and sailing,. a scholarly book. I was researching Viking culture
The Age of The Vikings by Anders Winroth.
The plentiful illustrations are a bonus to the text in this book and showcase Viking Art and craft as well as jewellery and rune stones. Interesting and of course – research.
The No Spend Year-How I Spent Less and Lived More by Michelle Mc Gogh
The author set herself a challenge not to spend any money beyond things like housing costs and essential bills. The chapters cover beauty, food, travel, having fun. More useful to a UK reader than to me – but she did make impressive savings
Hygge a celebration of simple pleasures by Charlotte Abrahams
In contrast to the previous book this author is not Nordic but was interested in the concept of hygge. She concentrates far more on design and lighting and takes a more scholarly and idiosyncratic approach. I didn’t find this book particularly useful but of course, if your interests are more in design then it could be a winner.
I also started a book which I discovered was mid-way in a series- it was too involved and intricate to pick up the story thread, so I gave up. In fairness to the author, I was reading out of sequence so I will not name it.
Sonia Bellhouse- Author. 