Often, in February, after several long cold months of winter, I long for a mini-holiday in a place guaranteed to be warm and sunny. It’s been ages since I’ve been able to go, but this year the flight and hotel deal was amazing, so off my sister-in-law and I went to San Diego. (More photos … Continue reading Valentine’s Day Book Review of Winter Solstice by Rosamunde Pilcher
Tag: book review
Quality Classic Christmas stories that Stand the Test of Time
With the holiday activities slowing down, now is a great time to chill with a classic Christmas story. Here are some recommendations from my recent discoveries. “Uncle Richard’s New Year Dinner” by Lucy Maud Montgomery, a fortuitous mix-up.You can read the story here Unable to find a publisher, the author printed 200 copies of this … Continue reading Quality Classic Christmas stories that Stand the Test of Time
Review of Sweet Caroline, my Blind Date With a Book
In February I shared the fun I had participating in one of my library’s many creative activities. When I walked into my local library and discovered their Valentine’s themed activity, “Blind Date With a Book”, I jumped right in! My rating So, here’s how I rated my Book “Date”, using the my public library’s "Rate … Continue reading Review of Sweet Caroline, my Blind Date With a Book
The Wonderful World of Cats
I recently re-read this precious book--after 58 years! In a testament to the quality of the stories, I was surprised at how many of the plots I still remembered. And almost as much as the stories, I also remembered the unique drawings. Unlike some contemporary children's books, these stories aren’t written “down” to children. They … Continue reading The Wonderful World of Cats
Not Mine, But His by Emma S. Pratt
This lovely book was next on my books to review, and it is fitting that I post it today, Easter! The story is about Mary, a young woman who is endeavoring to live rightly. This is a common theme in late 19th century fiction, one reason I find these so fascinating and interesting! One of … Continue reading Not Mine, But His by Emma S. Pratt
Middlemarch: Humility is beautiful
Humility seems to be out of fashion these days. People have a tendency to want attention, and preferably fame, regardless of what they have to do to get it. So it was with pleasure that I encountered beautifully understated qualities of humility and simple goodness in a 19th century novel, Middlemarch, by George Eliot. If … Continue reading Middlemarch: Humility is beautiful
Author Edward Payson Roe
One of E.P. Roe's most popular novels is Barriers Burned Away. In my last post I shared my thoughts on the novel, and how a visit to Chicago not long after the Chicago Fire of October 8, 1871 inspired him to write it. This fascinating book was actually his first attempt at writing a novel! … Continue reading Author Edward Payson Roe
Review of Barriers Burned Away; remembering the1871 Chicago Fire
A visit to Chicago not long after the Chicago Fire of October 8, 1871--151 years ago today--touched the heart of the author, Edward Payson Roe, and inspired him to write this novel, published in 1872. Diorama of 1871 Chicago Fire - Chicago History Museum, Lincoln Park, Chicago, Illinois He seems to have asked himself: How … Continue reading Review of Barriers Burned Away; remembering the1871 Chicago Fire
Gesta Romanorum: A unique glimpse into history
Gesta Romanorum is Latin for "Deeds of the Romans", which makes it sound like this book is a narration of the early culture of Rome, its history and battles. However, it is actually a Latin compilation of morality stories believed to be written approximately at the end of the 13th century. There are 181 stories. … Continue reading Gesta Romanorum: A unique glimpse into history
Love in a Little Town by J.E. Buckrow
It's February, the month we celebrate love, and here is a most fitting book to celebrate. Celia Bassingdale was about to take a long journey—the longest on earth—from the unreal to the real.First line Celia’s romantic interest in a young man (whom her grandfather was convinced was only after the fortune she would inherit when … Continue reading Love in a Little Town by J.E. Buckrow
Happily Writing 