My reading was a bit different this month as I’ve been reading memoirs as well as novels. I’m interested in memoirs because I’m currently attempting to write one. Of course, I am still also writing Regency romances. This month I have veered between reading physical books and books on my Kindle. It may be a quirk peculiar to me, but I find I have less recall of books I’ve read digitally. Is that something you have found too?
Constant Traveller R801168: At Age 16 I Went to Sea by Rod Baker.
Unhappy with the dullness of small-town England in the 1960s, Rod escapes by going to sea. Aboard ship, he finds his place—at the bottom of the stratified navel hierarchy. At sea he experiences storms that toss large ships around like twigs.
Venturing ashore in unfamiliar lands, he runs for his life through a Senegalese village, kisses a man in Australia, is mugged in Tahiti, almost kills the third mate in Sweden and is captured by a woman in Vancouver.266 pages, Kindle Edition.
My Review.
So well written you can almost believe that you’re travelling with Rod on his adventures. How can one guy get into so much trouble? Curiosity, drinking and searching for fun are what led him on. It’s the coming-of-age story of a guy who blagged his way out of trouble, charmed his way with girls and stayed true to his mates. A scallywag with a heart and an amusing story to tell.
Picnic in Provence by Elizabeth Bard.
The bestselling author of Lunch in Paris takes us on another delicious journey, this time to the heart of Provence.
Ten years ago, New Yorker Elizabeth Bard followed a handsome Frenchman up a spiral staircase to a love nest in the heart of Paris. Now, with a baby on the way and the world’s flakiest croissant around the corner, Elizabeth is sure she’s found her “forever place.” But life has other plans.
On a last romantic jaunt before the baby arrives, the couple take a trip to the tiny Provencal village of Céreste. A chance encounter leads them to the wartime home of a famous poet, a tale of a buried manuscript and a garden full of heirloom roses. Under the spell of the house and its unique history, in less time than it takes to flip a crepe, Elizabeth and Gwendal decide to move-lock, stock and Le Creuset-to the French countryside.
When the couple and their newborn son arrive in Provence, they discover a land of blue skies, lavender fields and peaches that taste like sunshine. Seduced by the local ingredients, they begin a new adventure as culinary entrepreneurs, starting their own artisanal ice cream shop and experimenting with flavors like saffron, sheep’s milk yogurt and fruity olive oil.
Filled with enticing recipes for stuffed zucchini flowers, fig tart and honey and thyme ice cream, Picnic in Provence is the story of everything that happens after the happily ever an American learning the tricks of French motherhood, a family finding a new professional passion, and a cook’s initiation into classic Provencal cuisine. With wit, humor and scoop of wild strawberry sorbet, Bard reminds us that life-in and out of the kitchen-is a rendez-vous with the unexpected.
My Review.
Bard’s evocative prose will have you wishing you too could meet a Frenchman and move to Provence. Here is a reality-based tale, of struggles with identity and acceptance. Of fitting in and standing out. How much of her Americanness can Elizabeth hold onto? And does she want to? Her husband is French, her son is half French and she is gradually acclimatising to a more laidback lifestyle herself. Circumventing cultural differences, she finds meaning and value in the old ways. The recipes sound both delectable and do-able
Project Duchess by Sabrina Jefferies.
From New York Times bestselling author Sabrina Jeffries comes a sparkling new series about an oft-widowed mother’s grown children, who blaze through society in their quest for the truth about their fathers . . . and in the process find that love just might conquer all . . .
A series of stepfathers and a difficult childhood have left Fletcher “Grey” Pryde, 5th Duke of Greycourt, with a guarded heart, enviable wealth, and the undeserved reputation of a rogue. Grey’s focus on expanding his dukedom allows him little time to find a wife. But when his mother is widowed yet again and he meets the charmingly unconventional woman managing his stepfather’s funeral, he’s shocked to discover how much they have in common. Still, Grey isn’t interested in love, no matter how pretty, or delightfully outspoken, the lady . . .
Beatrice Wolfe gave up on romance long ago, and the arrogant Duke of Greycourt with his rakish reputation isn’t exactly changing her mind. Then Grey agrees to assist his grief-stricken mother with her latest “project”: schooling-spirited, unfashionable Beatrice for her debut. Now that Beatrice is seeing through Grey’s charms to his wounded heart, she’s having trouble keeping him at arm’s length. But once Grey starts digging into her family’s secrets, she must decide whether her loyalties lie with her family . . . or with the man whose lessons capture her heart . . .
My Review.
Initially, I found the story confusing with so many characters, but when I got into it, I enjoyed it. Grey’s childhood experiences have coloured much of his views on family and life. Beatrice has secrets and worries of her own, but keeping Grey at arm’s length is more difficult than she imagined.
The Moongate by Amanda Geard.
From the author of the Richard & Judy pick The Midnight House. A wartime secret. An abandoned house. How long can they run from the past?
A mesmerising story of love, war, and a mystery that ensnares three generations, moving between Tasmania, London, and Kerry in 1939, 1975 and 2004. Perfect for fans of Natasha Lester, Kate Morton, and Lucinda Riley.
1939: On the eve of war, young English heiress Grace Grey and her companion, the strikingly beautiful – yet impossibly distant – Rose Munro, must travel to the far side of the world to stay with Grace’s eccentric uncle. Coaxed out of her shell by the extreme wilderness of Tasmania – and helped by the attentions of her Irish neighbour, Daniel McGillycuddy – Grace finally learns to live. But when Daniel is called to the war in the Pacific, he unwittingly leaves behind a terrible secret which will forever bind them together.
1975: When an anonymous benefactor leaves artist Willow Hawkins a house on Tasmania’s remote and treacherous west coast, she and her new husband, Ben, can’t believe their luck. Confused and delighted, they set out to unravel the identity of Towerhurst’s previous owner and in doing so uncover a mystery that will alter the course of their lives.
2004: Libby Andrews is living in the shadow of her mother’s grief. Willow has sheltered Libby from the truth behind her father’s death for her whole life. But, when she discovers a faded photograph of a house emblazoned with the name
‘Towerhurst’, it unlocks a long-buried memory. As Libby follows in the footsteps of the investigation her father could never complete, she realises that some secrets are best left buried . . .
My Review.
This well-told tale will have you reading just one more chapter, as the mystery and intrigue deepen. Grace is awkward and shy contrasting with her companion the self-possessed Rose. Gradually the wildness and beauty of Tasmania work their magic as does Daniel McGillycuddy and Grace begin to bloom.
In 1975 Willow and Ben are bemused yet delighted to inherit Towerhurst. As an artist it inspires Willow while Libby grows up knowing not to ask about her father and what happened to him.
2004, Travelling to London adult Libby determines to find out more about her father and the family’s past. Unravelling the mystery will deepen her feelings of connection to the past and her father. There is poignancy and satisfaction in how the story concludes. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
Rogue For The Taking by Amanda Mareil.
Seductive Regency Romance-Wicked Widows
A lady bent on seduction… Lady Othelia Grantham, married the earl of Brighton, a man many years her senior, to save her family from financial ruin. The earl was pleasant, but no sparks existed between them. Now that Othelia is a widow, she vows to live life on her terms. Priority one—Never marry again. Priority number two—experience passion. She sets her sights on the 9th Duke of Ashbrook. He is the perfect scoundrel to indulge her desire and carries no risk of marriage. A rogue bent on reform… Alister Brinsley-Radclyffe, Duke of Ashbrook, needs a duchess. A feat that should be easily accomplished by a duke, but even his title is not enough to redeem him from the reputation he’s built for indulging in sin. When a respectable young widow approaches him with a scandalous request, he cannot refuse. She may be his last chance to save his estates. He will teach lady Brighton about passion, and in doing so, he will capture her heart and fortune. Only one can win… If Othelia falls for the duke, she will lose control of her fortune and her freedom.
My Review.
I enjoyed reading this although I had difficulty with the name Othelia continually thinking it was Ophelia. After an unexciting marriage to a much older man who could blame her for wanting to have a little fun?
I Need My Yacht by Friday: True Tales from the Boat Repair Yard by Rod Baker.
A recent immigrant to Canada, I had completed an apprenticeship as a shipwright and found a good-paying job in the shipyard, which allowed me to buy a three-bedroom house for my growing family. Three weeks before Christmas, the foreman at the shipyard gave me one hour’s notice before laying me off. Doing odd jobs helped pay the mortgage — then I decided to go into business repairing I rented a large warehouse, brought a chair from home, made a desk from a door and bought a brown manila envelope to put receipts in. I Need My Yacht by Friday, is the story of what happened next.
259 pages, Kindle Edition Published April 4, 2017
My Review.
The trials and tribulations of running a small business. No one to rely on but yourself- and learning lessons that you didn’t know you needed until they happened. Not just the technical stuff of boat building, but equally challenging things, finding new customers, employing and retaining staff, and remaining optimistic in downturns. Rod displays an entrepreneurial spirit meeting challenges with grit and determination. After reading this it’s hardly surprising that after twenty years of hard work and facing parental challenges, Rod felt burnt out.
I’m sure there could be another book about the time he and his family spent in Europe and later on when he travelled alone. It’s a highly readable and enjoyable book.
Seduction on a Snowy Night by Madeline Hunter, Sabrina Jeffries and Mary Jo Putney.
Duke Dynasties 1.5
This winter, steal away with the reigning queens of Regency Romance… plus one or two dukes, one heiress, and one headstrong beauty—to a surprise snow storm, the comfort of a blazing fire, and the heat of a lover’s kisses…
A CHRISTMAS ABDUCTION by Madeline Hunter
Caroline Dunham has a bone to pick with notorious rake Baron Thornhill—and a creative plan to ensure his undivided attention. Yet once in close quarters, she finds herself beholden to their smoldering connection.
A PERFECT MATCH by Sabrina Jeffries
Whisked away from a wintry ball by a commanding colonel, Cassandra Isles struggles with her feelings for Lord Heywood. For he is a man sworn to marry only for money—and Cass is an heiress who will accept nothing less than love.
ONE WICKED WINTER’S NIGHT by Mary Jo Putney
Dressed as a veiled princess, Lady Diana Lawrence is shocked to discover that the mysterious corsair who tempts her away from the costume ball is the duke she once loved and lost. Now ensconced with Castleton at a remote lodge, will she surrender to the passion still burning hotly between them?
My Review.
I enjoyed this selection of Regency Romances, each author takes their heroine and hero on a journey of discovery to find their true feelings.
It’s difficult to pick a favourite.
A Secret Garden Affair by Erica James.
July 1981. As the country prepares to celebrate Prince Charles’ wedding to Lady Diana, Libby wants to be as far away from royal wedding fever as possible.
Having caught her own fiancé in bed with her best friend just weeks before they were due to marry, she’s fled London for the comfort of the Suffolk countryside.
At Larkspur House, with its magical garden created by renowned garden designer and one-time socialite Elfrida Ambrose, and its comfortingly familiar kitchen presided over by Libby’s great-aunt Bess, she hopes to find a way to put her life back together.
But for lifelong friends Bess and Elfrida, Libby’s arrival has stirred up the ghosts of the past. And before they can help her rebuild her shattered future, they must confront their own unspoken secrets, lost loves, and tragedies…
My Review.
The title evoked fond memories of my childhood favourite The Secret Garden. I was bound to pick this book up. Told through three different timelines, the story follows Libby who escapes her cheating fiancé just before her wedding. She retreats back to the place where she was happiest in her childhood. Elfrida a famous garden designer and Bess have always been much-loved people and spending time with them helps Libby. Her presence recalls memories of their youthful past with its own buried secrets.
I have also been taking some courses- related to writing. It’s good to keep learning and I also attended some workshops in person. As well as attending both my writing group and my art class.
Tell me about you. Do you read memoirs? Do you read crime? Do you read just one genre? Do you read mostly digitally or mostly print books?
Sonia Bellhouse- Author. 