A Miracle for St Cecilia's (by Katherine Valentine)

I don't remember where I first heard of Katherine Valentine. Perhaps her books were recommended to me after finishing some by Jan Karon. Perhaps she was mentioned after I enjoyed novels by Susan Howatch. In any case, I had this book on my wishlist for some years but had quite forgotten it was there, until I was given it for my recent birthday.

'A miracle for St Cecilia's is a gentle kind of novel, set in small town America, featuring a Roman Catholic Church. Most of the town's population know each other, and despite financial problems they all seem to hang out in the coffee shop regularly. The waitress there is deeply troubled because her husband is very ill, waiting in vain for a bone marrow transplant; but pretty much everyone has some kind of worry or problem.

In addition to all this, the church itself is in danger of closing down. Father James, who works there, has no idea what his future might hold, and is even more worried about what will happen to his elderly predecessor who's getting rather erratic, but who definitely does not want to be sent to a retirement home in a different state.

All this could have been set at any point in the 20th century, however the book was actually published in 2002, and is brought right up to date with yet another storyline: that of a somewhat nerdy teenager who has been suspended from school for hacking, comes up with a rather unusual idea that gets somewhat out of hand. With the benefit of an extra ten years of technology since then, I still found myself faintly bewildered at the idea and its implementation, none of which seemed believable - but it did provide some light humour, so in the end I didn't worry about whether or not it was feasible.

The novel makes pleasant light reading; it was somewhat in the style of Jan Karon, although there was no main character - other than, perhaps, the priest; but it was not all told from his perspective. I found it very hard to remember who was whom, although part of that was that I read the first third sporadically over a couple of weeks. The story-lines were a bit rambling, and it took me some time to get into it.

I then read the second half at one sitting, on a long flight, and found myself getting much more 'into' the story, hoping for good outcomes, even though I still found rather too many characters to relate to. Some of the conclusions felt a bit contrived - rather literally 'deus ex machina' in some cases - but overall it was quite heartwarming, with parts that were encouraging and uplifting.

I'm not sure if I will read any of the sequels, but I was glad - finally! - to have had the chance to read this book. Recommended in a low key way for anyone who likes books in the style of Jan Karon or Philip Gulley.

No longer in print in either the UK or US, but it's available in Kindle form, and can sometimes be found second-hand in paperback.

Review copyright Sue's Book Reviews, 6th May 2013

The Jesus Revolution (by Leith Anderson)

I had never heard of Leith Anderson. Apparently he is the president of the US Association of Evangelicals, and was previously a senior pastor. He's written some other books in addition to this one.

I came across 'The Jesus Revolution' when it was available free for the Kindle some time ago. Browsing through my extensive collection of Kindle books, while away from home, this looked like a good one to read in quiet moments each morning. It's essentially a set of studies on the Biblical book of Acts, so it worked well to read one section per day.

The studies give an overview of each chapter, with some interesting historical context, and also some application for today. It took me a few weeks to get through it all, not because it was difficult to read, but because time was limited and I didn't always remember to get to it.

I can't say that I found anything really new or inspiring in the book, but sometimes it's useful to have overview reminders of something familiar. The writing is good, the style quite easy to read, and there are some interesting sections, particularly those looking at the background. There are some useful reminders, too, about the excitement that prevailed in the early Church: something which we've rather lost today. Some of it seemed quite thought-provoking when I read it, although I didn't really think about it much through the day, and a couple of weeks later I don't recall anything specific that I read.

Still, overall I thought that it was worth reading; recommended in a low-key kind of way if you're interested in an overview of the book of Acts, but don't expect anything revelatory. Links are to paperback editions of this book, and the Kindle versions are no longer free. I would not have wanted to pay full price.

Perhaps I should re-read it some day when I have more time to think.

Review copyright Sue's Book Reviews, 30th April 2013

Right-ho, Jeeves (by PG Wodehouse)

It must have been about forty years ago that my father first recommended I read some PG Wodehouse books. I'm still grateful for his recommendation; his novels have been a source of enjoyment many times over the past few decades, even though I don't read them very often.

Although only the second of his Jeeves and Wooster books, I consider 'Right ho, Jeeves' to be classic Wodehouse. It begins with Bertie Wooster and his valet Jeeves having a little altercation about a new jacket which Bertie has bought... and relations are inevitably a little strained. It doesn’t help that Jeeves has been advising Bertie’s friend Gussie Fink-Nottle in his pursuit of Madeleine Bassett, whom he is too timid to approach... and so far, Jeeves’ efforts have not had much success.

Before long they go to stay with Bertie's Aunt Dalia, after her daughter Angela breaks her engagament to another of Bertie’s friends, Tuppy Glossop. Naturally there are various other problems afoot, including Aunt Dalia’s gambling debt, and the temperamental nature of her brilliant cook Anatole. Bertie, convinced that Jeeves has lost his touch, attempts to solve everything by himself... and gradually finds himself getting into deeper and deeper water as the unexpected occurs.

It's perhaps twenty or more years since I last read this book, but many of the scenes came back to me as I read this, off and on, during a busy period recently. I don't laugh aloud very often with PG Wodehouse, but I smile a great deal, and appreciate his wordplay and irony, and the wonderful naivety and (sometimes) gross stupidity of the hapless Bertie. It’s an excellent book for relaxation, and for delving for a while into a simpler and more amusing (albeit caricatured) world.

It needed hardly be stated that Jeeves comes out top in the end with a brilliant solution to the various problems.... albeit rather at the expense of Bertie himself.

This kind of upper-class verbal slapstick doesn't appeal to everyone, and inevitably the style is slightly dated, as it was first published in 1934. But the humour shines through, the people, if unbelievable t times, are still superb, and I enjoyed it very much. I was delighted to find it available free for the Kindle at Project Gutenberg although its still in print in paperback in various editions, and often found second hand.  Note that links are to paperback versions on the UK and US Amazon sites; the free electronic edition can be found by searching for the title at Project Gutenberg.

Definitely recommended.

Review copyright Sue's Book Reviews, April 21st 2013

The Loveliest Chocolate Shop in Paris (by Jenny Colgan)

For some reason, I had not previously read any books by Jenny Colgan, despite having read several reviews of her work. They sounded interesting enough that I put a couple on my wishlist, and was then delighted to spot one on The Bookbag site, so I asked for a copy.

The cover of 'The loveliest chocolate shop in Paris' is attractive with a hint of nostalgia, and a 'chick-lit' look about it that was quite appealing. I decided to read it at the airport and on a five-hour flight - and it was ideal for the purpose.

The main character is Anna who has been working as a supervisor at a chocolate factory. She’s 30, and recently split with her boyfriend. Then a freak accident at work, followed by a nasty infection in hospital leaves her unemployed, apathetic and with no idea what her future holds.

While in hospital, Anna becomes friendly with Claire, who - years previously - was her French teacher. To pass the time, Claire teaches Anna some more French and then Claire suggests that she might take a temporary job in Paris with an old friend of hers.

The story is mostly set in the 21st century, following Anna as she sets out into the unknown. But interleaved throughout is the story of Claire’s own adventures in Paris when she was 17. Although the two women are a generation apart in age, and grew up in different circumstances, their stories intertwine beautifully as each begins to experience a new culture. Claire as a teenager was entranced by the chocolate maker Thierry; it’s his shop, now famous throughout France, where Anna is now working. Thierry has become seriously obese as he has grown older, and it’s his son whom Anna finds oddly attractive.

There are romantic threads, but there’s also a lot about French culture, and some detail about the process of chocolate-making.  I felt as if I had learned quite a bit, yet at no point did I feel that I was being coerced into education. The writing flows well, and it was an ideal book for me to read on the flight.

Recommended for anyone who likes a story that’s both light and poignant. Available in Kindle form in both the US and UK, as well as paperback.

You can also read my slightly longer review of 'The Loveliest Chocolate Shop in Paris' at the Bookbag site.

Good Husband Material (by Trisha Ashley)

The first time I read a book by Trisha Ashley, I found her somewhat informal writing style a bit difficult to get into, and was irritated by some apparently random switches from past to present tense. But as I got into the story, I enjoyed it more and more. Chick-lit for the middle aged was my overall opinion - and I don’t mean that disparagingly. It was light, free from anything X-rated, and had a positive ending. I found the same to be true of further books I read by this author, and so was delighted to see this one on the Bookbag shelves.

The title of the book, 'Good Husband Material', does not refer to Fergal. He is part of a popular rock band, who is reputed to live a scandalous lifestyle. He is introduced when he recalls his first dramatic meeting with 17-year-old Tish, and their year-long romance.

Most of the book is told from Tish’s point of view, over ten years later She is married to a rather dull solicitor called James, and longs for a place in the country. She writes romantic fiction, and we quickly learn that she was badly hurt by Fergal when he left her to go on tour in America.

Tish falls in love with a country cottage in need of a great deal of renovation. James is not keen, but they move, and start renovating... and things go downhill for their marriage.

It’s fairly clear from the start that Tish’s romance with Fergal will be re-kindled. I felt quite sorry for James at first; however I soon lost any sympathy I had for him: he is thoughtless, snobbish, and something of a male chauvinist.

While the main plot is predictable, there are fascinating observations about village life, and some wonderful minor characters. I particularly liked Tish’s eccentric and outspoken Granny, and I was very taken with the shopkeeper Mrs Deakin, who knows everything about everyone and likes nothing more than a good gossip with her customers. There is a hint of mystery about Tish’s own past, too and also about why James is spending increasing amounts of time away from home.

There’s a bit of humour here and there which made me smile The informal style wasn't too instrusive, and although there are still a few annoying tense-changes, it wasn't a huge deal. I read the second half of the book almost in one sitting and did not get bored for a moment. All in all, I would recommend this as ideal light holiday reading, if you want something undemanding and a bit fluffy.

Apparently this was first published in 2000 but has recently been re-printed in paperback and made available for the Kindle.

You can also read my longer review of Good Husband Material at the Bookbag site.

Twenties Girl (by Sophie Kinsella)

For too many years I avoided books by Sophie Kinsella, being unfairly biased against so -called ‘chick lit’. But when I finally read one of her books, I was converted - and have enjoyed pretty much everything she’s written. Fluffy? Undoubtedly. But never boring.

So I was delighted to find ‘Twenties Girl’ on a church bookstall a few months ago, and picked it up for bedtime reading recently, wanting something light and undemanding. I had not expected to find a ghost story, which is not a genre that generally interests me. But this is no spooky thriller; instead, the ghost is a strong character in her own right, quite stubborn at times. She even sulks.

The story starts with Lara explaining why one sometimes has to lie to parents in order to protect them. It’s a brilliant start to the story which gives an insight not just into Lara’s personality, but to her relationship with her somewhat over-protective parents. We quickly learn that they are all going to the funeral of Great Aunt Sadie, who lived to the age of 105, spending her last couple of decades in a nursing home. Nobody in the family really knew her, and they didn’t even visit her, so Lara isn’t entirely certain why she’s going.

We also meet the fabulously wealthy and rather obnoxious Uncle Bill at the funeral - he owns a coffee kingdom which competes with Starbucks, and has written a popular self-help book about how to get rich.

And just as the drab service is underway, with very few attenders, Lara’s attention is taken up by a voice, belonging to a girl around her own age, who tells her she has to stop the funeral. She succeeds in doing this, to the consternernation of all around her since nobody else can hear the voice or see the girl. She then agrees (somewhat reluctantly) to look for a necklace. The girl is the ghost of her great aunt, appearing as she was in the 1920s.

Most of the book then charts the next few weeks, while Sadie and Lara get to know each other. It’s hard to remember that Sadie is a ghost sometimes, although her mind is firmly in the 1920s and she persuades Lara to wear some outrageous clothes, and to learn the Charleston...

There’s a low-key kind of romantic thread for Lara, who has just broken up with her boyfriend Josh, but is convinced they can get back together. And she also goes on some dates with Ed, an American who Sadie rather fancies, but whom Lara does not find very interesting... at least, at first.

We also learn more of Sadie’s story, which is very cleverly dealt with as Lara starts her search for the necklace - something which she thinks is silly at first, but gradually realises is very important. I had not guessed at some of the revelations that came later in the book, and while I suppose its all rather unlikely, it doesn’t matter - by the last couple of hundred pages, it was very difficult to put it down.

Good writing, amusing in places, poignant in others. Not to be taken too seriously, but excellent as light fiction for a holiday.

Recommended, if you enjoy this kind of surreal but enjoyable story with a good pace, and some mild humour.

Review copyright Sue's Book Reviews, 5th April 2013

Nine Little Goslings (by Susan Coolidge)

Susan Coolidge is best known for her 'Katy' trilogy which begins with the classic 'What Katy Did'. While I've been familiar with these books for many years, it's only relatively recently that I learned of several other books which she wrote. Since they are long out of copyright - she lived in the 19th century - they are all available free for download from Project Gutenberg.

‘Nine Little Goslings’, which I just finished reading, is a book containing nine short stories, intended for children of about seven to ten, I suppose, since that’s the age of the featured children. The first one particularly interested me, being about Johnnie (Joanna) Carr, from the Katy series. Johnnie has been quite a tomboy until she is ill for a while, and then finds herself dreaming about being a princess, or perhaps being adopted by a long-lost relative. For once dreams appear to be coming true when her unknown godmother arrives and takes a great interest in her, offering to bring her up as her own. Her wise father suggests a temporary arrangement, and after a few weeks, Johnnie is very thankful for this!

I had thought the whole book might be about the Carrs, but each of the nine stories stands alone, featuring different children. The titles of the chapters are taken from nursery rhymes - so the first is called ‘Curly Locks’. The second, ‘Goosey Goosey Gander’, is about a small boy who really doesn’t want to go to bed. He is generally obedient, but finds himself unable to sleep.. and then spots a ladder that leads to the roof. He has some quite surprising adventures before returning home.. and then, at the end, it’s implied that they might have been a dream.

Each story was a good length for me to read while eating breakfast, as I often do with Kindle books, so it took me a little over a week to finish this. I found some of the later stories a bit depressing, but they were probably typical of the era, when children did not all survive childhood, and medical care was rather basic. Some of them have fairly overt morals - such as the first, encouraging children to be content with what they have - while others are more fanciful, just for entertainment.

I’m not sure what kind of child these stories would appeal to in the 21st century; they’re certainly not easy-reads, and the long-winded style might make them seem boring to children who prefer fast-paced modern adventures. They would probably appeal to more thoughtful and eclectic readers - those who are as happy to read ‘Little House on the Prairie’ as ‘Harry Potter’ - or could possibly be read aloud to children of around seven to nine who still like bedtime stories.

I don't know that I would particularly recommend this, but it made a nice change from other books, and was an interesting insight into the world of the late 19th century in which the author lived.

Note that the Amazon links given are to printed editions of this, which are fairly expensive for what they are; they also have Kindle versions

Changes for the Chalet School (by Elinor M Brent-Dyer)

I've been a fan of Elinor M-Brent-Dyer's books since I first discovered some of her early Chalet School books (in hardback!) on my grandmother's shelves when I was perhaps nine or ten. I managed to read the entire series during my teenage years, and again as an adult; I now have the full set, and am slowly re-reading them.

I last read 'Changes for the Chalet School' in 2001. Depending on how you count them, this is around number 32 in the lengthy series - around half way through. It follows directly on from 'Bride leads the Chalet School'. Big changes are afoot in this story: the school is, at last, planning to return to the Euroepean continent. Not to Austria, yet - this is set in the late 1940s and the war is still too recent - but Switzerland, not far from where the finishing branch at Welsen was started a year or two previously.

Bride Bettany is still Head Girl, and the Maynard triplets return from Canada at last, stronger and more confident now they are twelve. Margot strikes up a friendship with the unpredictable Emerence Hope, much to the dismay of the authorities, but is persuaded to work hard after being placed in a form much lower than that of her sisters.

In some ways this is a run-of-the-mill Chalet School book, featuring regular school events and conversations, and a rather tedious amount of detail in the end-of-term regatta. The author managed to build up some very likeable, believable characters in these books, including the Bettany and Maynard families, and some of the more unusual girls. But the lists of winners in the various water events seemed entirely unnecessary, as if a couple of chapters had to be filled up before the end.

Still, regatta apart, this is an important book in the series as it shows the school packing up for a permanent - and planned - removal from the island where they have been so happy for the past few years.

Not particularly recommended, unless you are a fan of the series and/or are reading the entire set. It isn't currently in print and seems to be very over-priced at Amazon, but it's often found inexpensively in charity shops.  The paperback Armada version is quite acceptable and has not been much abridged from the original.