Sunny Stays at the Shetland Hotel by Erin Green (Review)

Returning to Shetland in this delightful, fun, and uplifting story is something to savor! Sunny Stays at the Shetland Hotel from Erin Green’s Shetland with Love series, is full of hometown charm, characters who make you fall in love with them, and a storyline full of the challenges of life, love and friendship. It is an endearing look at how friendship can change a person’s life and how unconditional love can set one on unexpected and meaningful paths. Erin writes with insight, and depth, her words bursting with uplifting and affirming messages about family, friendship and the power of forgiveness, purpose and belonging. This is the third book in the series, the second one I can’t wait to read but it doesn’t get released in the US until October. I’ll have it just in time for the holiday season, as the title From Shetland, With Love at Christmas will be just what I need to settle into the spirit of Christmas. In Sunny Stays at the Shetland Hotel, Erin takes us on the continued story of Lerwick Manor and the lovely people who run the new hotel. With a host of fun, quirky, loveable (well most of the time) characters, the story revolves around the running of the Manor and the men and women who can’t seem to keep themselves out of one adventure after the other: Pippa, Autumn, Dottie, Natalia, Ned, Levi, Mungo, and Jemima. Even Floss, the Shetland Collie, is part of the adventures. I adore books that make you feel good. Erin’s books remind me of how important it is to have family and friends who see you for who you are, flaws and all, and who love you through it all. Thank you, Erin, for another enjoyable escape away into the magic and peace of the Shetlands and into the lives of the special people in your story.

Remarkably Bright Creatures (Review)

I am smitten with a giant Pacific Octopus! I mean head over heels for the lovable invertebrate sea creature named Marcellus. Shelby Van Pelt has captured my heart with her beautiful book and the remarkable story she tells of Tova Sullivan and her growing relationship with a rescued octopus who lives at the aquarium. Shelby's story will long remain a favorite book of mine and I can't wait for you to read it. It is the author's debut novel and was part of #ReadWithJenna. In it you meet a wonderful cast of characters - Tova, strong, affable, smart and retirement age who is faced with the challenges of aging and how to reconcile a past with a hopeful future; Cameron, the likable young man who is on a journey to find himself; Ethan, the neighborhood friend and all around good guy; Aunt Jeanne, the woman who raised Cameron with a heart of gold; and Avery, shop owner and new love interest for Cameron; and my favorite character, Marcellus, the Pacific Octopus who deftly helps solve a decades long mystery with his intelligence and penchant for escaping his tank. This novel is a definite 5 Star Read. I absolutely loved every minute I was immersed with the book open and my imagination soaring over the creatively told story. Interesting facts about Octopuses from the Library of Congress; Published: 11/19/2019: The octopus has eight arms, three hearts, blue blood, and suckers which can taste and grab. The octopus’s ability to use its suckers to taste and grab demonstrates both consciousness and subjective behavior. The octopus is known to push the lids off tanks and subsequently walk throughout a lab. An octopus is capable of unscrewing a lid from a jar. They can solve puzzles, undo locks They seem to enjoy playing with toys as they engage in play behavior and they are capable of solving simple mazes with frequency. In both laboratory and ocean settings, the octopus is known to recognize faces. They are capable of facial recognition, and develop learned, memory responses to stimuli and their environment. Because it does not have a backbone, the octopus can maneuver in and out of very small spaces, often within an area comparable to the size of a human eye. When observed in its natural habitat, the octopus can be seen both walking and running. It is capable of propelling itself at speeds of up to 25 mph.

Walking With Peety (Review)

This book has ALL the feels! An extraordinary story of triumph, overcoming adversity, perseverance, and love. Told with candor, straightforwardness and commitment, the author, Eric O'Grey grabs your heartstrings from the very first chapter and leaves you wanting more each time you close the book. I tend to gravitate toward uplifting, feel-good, feel-something books so when I saw the cover picture of Peety, the beautiful dog, and hero of the story, I knew I had to read it. Peety's adorable little face melted my heart even before I knew anything about his and Eric's journey together. Eric credits the love of Peety as "saving his life" in more ways than one. They saved each other, actually, as their journey began when Eric adopts Peety from a shelter. Both of them were in desperate need of unconditional love, companionship, and the will to get moving and get healthy. Both Peety and Eric were extremely unhealthy and overweight. Eric's health was dire and he knew he had to change his life or he would die. So began their daily walks. Starting out barely being able to make it down the street and back, Eric and Peety consistently walked, which led to running, which led to marathons, which led to unbelievable adventures and eventually getting into the best shape of their lives. Eric switched to a plant based diet, and did the same for Peety, too. Good nutrition, exercise and a new found hope turned their lives around. Was this an awesome feel good book? Check! Was the story of Peety and Eric one that I will never forget? Check! Do I want to do more to support my love of animals? Check! Did reading their story inspire me to think differently? Check! Would I recommend you read this book? 100% YES! Be sure to check out Eric & Peety, A Mutual Rescue Film on YouTube.

Part of My World, What I've Learned from The Little Mermaid About Love, Faith, and Finding My Voice (Review)

From the very first page, I was captivated by Jodi Benson's, Part of My World, What I've Learned from The Little Mermaid About Love, Faith, and Finding My Voice. I listened to the Audio Book with Jodi narrating her beautiful story. Jodi's iconic voice with its lilting, seemingly melodic, and recognizable sound was completely mesmerizing in a way that drew me in and invited me in to some pretty amazing stories of her life, anecdotes of her long standing and illustrious career as a Tony Award Winning actress on Broadway to becoming the voice of Disney's most beloved princesses, Ariel. Jodi shares with a beguiling openness that is full of candor, hope, reflection, and positivity. She shares, not only her successes, but her trials, hardships, and sorrows, as well, in a way that is gripping, sometimes surprising, and at times, heartbreaking. Her storytelling is magical, and her prose is beautifully written. Getting a bird's eye view into how the character of Ariel came to be, and how it changed Jodi's life in a whirlwind of ups and downs was thoroughly entrancing. Jodi has an amazing career in broadway, theater, movies, television, voice over work, and she is the recipient of many awards and credits to her success as an actress, singer, recording artist, and performer. Jodi Benson's memoir is spectacular. She gives you a sense of wonder, hope. What resonated with me the most about this beautiful book is how Jodi shares how she seeks to keep her faith her priority and how she uses her career to love people well, being "Light and Salt" as Jodi says, and to live her life in the pursuit of honoring God's purpose for her as a woman, wife, mother, friend and famed artist. Lose yourself in this beautiful memoir. You will be uplifted and Jodi's story will stay with you long after you turn the last page. (Or in my case, she concludes the last chapter with her effervescent, bubbly, voice on the audio. I'm going to miss listening to her soothing voice and her sweet, Jodi Benson giggle, but I know without a doubt that this book will find a place on my bookshelf as an all-time favorite!)

Beyond the Wand by Tom Felton (Review)

Wizard or ordinary Muggle? Being a long time super fan of the Harry Potter books and movies, I couldn't resist listening to the audio production of Tom Felton's new book, Beyond the Wand and learning more of the actor's life behind the iconic role he played in the infamous Harry Potter films. Having been part of the magical world of Harry Potter for a decade, Tom's book shares an intimate look at his life growing up as Draco Malfoy and the ups and downs of his acting career. He talks with a genuine openness and candor that is poignant, insightful and heartfelt. I can't give away any spoilers, but I loved hearing about his "Three Kings" experience and how he has overcome and triumphed through bouts of depression, substance abuse, and a floundering sense of finding who he truly is. (I know you're intrigued now to find out more about the three kings!) Tom has found that living with gratitude and giving back is what can truly turn your life around. He shares the successes and the pitfalls of living with mental health challenges and is encouraging and supportive of anyone who is experiencing similar feelings. He wants the reader and fans to know they are NOT alone and that it is OKAY to experience mental health issues, crushing any sense of stigma or shame. His words are uplifting and he seeks to be a beacon of light in a world that can often feel overwhelming and despondent. Tom's book is an exceptional read and a book I will definitely be adding to my favorites list. Five Wands held high for Tom's book! If you are experiencing signs of depression, seek help. Talk to someone and share your feelings and thoughts. Mental health is important. Take care of yourself - body, soul and mind. There is help and support available.

The Lighthouse Keeper's Daughter (Review)

What is "home" ? Is it a word confined to four walls or something far greater and of more importance than breath itself? Is home where your spirit, the essence of who you are, who you were, and who you will become, becomes the place that your destiny and calling radiate every fiber of your being? These are the thoughts that linger on my mind after finishing this book. Wait until you get to the epilogue! Oh my! The lyrical, breathtaking words that the author uses have etched themselves into my heart and mind. The breadth and depth of this story is exquisitely brought to life by author Hazel Gaynor. It is a story that will long remain in my heart. Performed on audio so beautifully by Imogen Church, I am left breathless with a wave of emotions from deep sadness to ones of hope and faith in the tenants of familial bonds, love, redemption, fortitude, bravery, friendship, and the true meaning of home. Imogen Church has a mesmerizing, lilting voice that captures the characters with such imagination and spellbinding story telling. Home for the two main characters, Grace Darling, from 1838, and Matilda Emmerson, from 1938, is the Lighthouse in which they live. It's their place of sanctuary, both physically and metaphorically and that sanctuary is extended to countless survivors of shipwrecks and other tragedies set forth by the powerful and mighty sea. The heroines in the book were inspired by true events and the extraordinary women who dedicated their lives to being Lighthouse Keepers. Their love for the sea is woven into the very fibers of who they are. The lighthouse is their home, but more importantly, their calling and purpose is to be the keepers of light and that is the fabric of their lives, knitting them together in a timeless circle of fierce bravery and dedication. This is definitely a five star triumph!

The Librarian Spy by Madeline Martin (Review)

The Librarian Spy by Madeline Martin is a magnificent triumph of a book! With themes of resilience, courage, bravery and passion, the author has intricately woven together the stories of two strong women, Ava and Elaine, and the circle of comrades, friends, and family who bring their stories to life. Ava is a librarian at the Library of Congress and finds herself on an unexpected journey to Lisbon where she poses as a librarian while secretly gathering intel to take down the Nazis during WWII. Little does she know that she will hold the lives of a Jewish mother and her young son in her hands as she seeks to help rescue them and reunite them with their family in America. Ava skirts around danger from all sides, as she fights to see justice and freedom become a reality for this young family. Elaine’s story is one of exceptional bravery, fortitude, and redemption, as she fights with the Resistance to print newsprint outing the atrocities happening at the hands of the Nazis. She and her team of clandestine printing press operators, sacrifice and work tirelessly for the French people against their oppressors, the Nazis. Their losses are immense, yet they find the courage to continue their mission. Ava and Elaine become intrinsically connected through the rescue of Sarah and her little boy. The world is really rather small, as the saying goes, and it turns out that through their shared passion for helping war-torn families, they find that they both play an integral part in the future of Sarah and her son. Madeline Martin’s writing is superbly researched and beautifully written. You are drawn into the lives of these brave characters with their sorrows, along with their triumphs, and they become your own. The story is at times heart wrenching yet hopeful and it speaks to humanities’ incredible ability to heal when love, friendship and family are at the forefront. Love does conquer hatred. Good does conquer evil. Justice overcomes injustice. Pain can be healed and joy can be ever present through it all.

An Elephant in My Kitchen (Review)

An Elephant in My Kitchen Review Simply breathtaking! A marvel of adventure, both heart wrenching and joyous at the same time. An absolute 5 Star Read. I loved this captivating story of Thula Thula, a game sanctuary in Zululand that was managed by the brave, dedicated and tenacious Francois Malby-Anthony. Fighting against all odds, Francois keeps the beloved game reserve afloat after losing her husband, Lawrence, a Conservationist. Though she knew little about animals, Francois had to quickly throw herself into learning everything she could to help, rescue, rehabilitate, and protect the precious elephants, rhinos, hippos and other game that lived within the guarded fences of the sanctuary, Thula Thula. The biggest threat to her beloved animals were poachers - dangerous men whose only despicable goal was to kill the rhinos for the horns and get paid big money by selling them on the black market. They killed the poor animals with no regard for the pain they suffered and often left them to die horrible, long, excruciating deaths. My eyes were opened to the extent to which this black market industry has endangered these gentle, sweet animals to the point where it is estimated that they will be extinct in under two decades. I spent a lot of the book scrunching my eyes at the terror and gasping for what I felt as whole hearted helplessness. How can humans be so cruel? Francois was determined to keep going at all costs, never flinching at low funds, dangerous armed poachers, or the sometimes scary and dangerous situations that can occur when helping a two ton animal like an elephant or rhino. Francois, through grit and determination, started an orphan sanctuary on her property and the stories of the little babies are endearing and grab your heart strings. I will forever have their names in my memory. You feel like you have been there with them, feeding them bottles, and helping to heal their wounds. Animal conservation is critical! We have to do our part to protect our wildlife. Our world depends upon it.

The Christy Affair (Review)

Review of The Christie Affair by Nina De Gramont. Imaginative, clever, and engrossing, this book weaves an intricate tale surrounding an interesting theory about what might have happened when the famed author, Agatha Christie went missing for 11 days. The mystery that surrounds that time in Agatha’s life still remains a mystery to this day and has intrigued the imaginations of readers and writers for decades. It is a highly fictionalized account of Nan O’Dea, the mistress of Agatha’s husband Archie, and is told from her narrative of the events that brought her into the wealthy and elite lives of the Christies and how her tragic and heart wrenching love story was the impetus for all of her actions. Nan O’Dea is a tragic character who lives through trauma at the hands of the Nuns and a menacing Priest at a convent and orphanage in Ireland for wayward women. Nan’s journey is filled with love, friendship, loss, heartache, revenge, and turmoil. How her life intertwines with the lives of Agatha and her husband, Archie, offers intriguing twists to the plot and takes you to an ending that is full of surprise. De Gramont’s language is engaging and her storytelling masterful. I loved this book and it sparked a desire to learn more about the famed Author, Agatha Christie and her famous and unsolved disappearance. Was it all a ruse for publicity or a true act of a desperate woman who sought freedom from prying eyes when she felt her world crumbling beneath her? And what would drive Nan O’Dea to purposefully seek out the Christies? De Gramont creates an enjoyable tale that beautifully connects some factual events with imagination and brings to life the magic that comes with fiction writing.

The Printed Letter Bookshop by Katherine Reay is a cozy, sit by the fire drinking hot chocolate, kind of book that will have you pining for the idyllic charm and nostalgia of the quaint town of Winsome. Winsome is home to the lovely bookshop, The Printed Letter Bookshop and holds the hopes and legacy of its former owner, Maddie. When Maddie leaves the bookshop to her adored niece, Madeline, only time will tell how the magic and power of friendship, love, and books will transform her wounded heart, bringing out her strengths and gifts. Maddie’s joyful approach to life is felt in the shop and it is up to Madeline to keep the shop afloat. Along the way she becomes friends with her two employees, Claire and Janet, and helps them to embrace their independence and strength. The stories of the three friends are central to the book and I found myself cheering them on in all their endeavors and set-backs. Together they overcome a lot of odds and find that friendship is to be cherished and can elevate one from even the darkest of times. Themes of love, forgiveness, friendship, familial bonds, and a love of the power of the written word in books, make for a novel of lovely storytelling. I felt a closeness to the characters and could easily relate to their personalities and challenges. They became like friends to me and I felt sad when I had to say goodbye to them and the sweet town of Winsome. When you pick up this book be prepared to not want to put it down.

Karen Kingsbury’s “A Distant Shore” is a powerful, breathtaking, and moving book. I have put off writing a review of “A Distant Shore” for a long time now, as I felt my words may not do the book justice or convey the depth of care, research, and love that the author used to tackle the huge and incomprehensible subject of human trafficking. I read it, knowing that I could trust Karen to deliver a story that not only portrayed characters of strength, integrity, and courage, but that she would gently lead them to places of renewal, forgiveness, and redemption through love, faith and the belief in the strength of the human spirit as they navigated their way through tragedy, desolation, upheaval and unspeakable trials. Karen’s characters, Lizzie, and Jack are flawed, tragic, and complicated. They must learn to trust and to love if they are to move into a future that heals their pasts. Together they find the strength to start anew, as they learn that their lives have only just begun – with faith in God, each other, and themselves. Karen Kingsbury has long been one of my favorite authors and she does not disappoint with this book. I will continue to always place my trust as a reader in her expert and knowledgeable writing as an author.

Piglet, The Unexpected Story of a Deaf Blind Pink Puppy and His Family is an uplifting, inspirational and wonderful book! Written by Melissa Shapiro, DVM, a veterinarian, lifelong animal welfare advocate and mom to three children and many rescued dogs and birds, the story of the little pink puppy will draw you in and keep you yearning for the next chapter. Piglet, captured my heart the moment Melissa and her family bring him home as a rescue from a hoarding situation. I immediately fell in love the little pink, one pound baby who was about to turn the Shapiro’s lives upside down. Maybe even “right-side” up, so-to-speak, as Piglet brought the family unmeasurable amounts of joy, unconditional love, endless snuggles, and countless days of wonder. Piglet is a little “wonder dog!” He had a purpose and a calling for his small, sweet puppy life. Melissa introduced him to the world of education, social media, and advocacy groups to inspire others to reach for the stars and overcome odds. Piglet teaches people valuable lessons in acceptance and inclusion, and the all-important power of love, empathy and kindness. Piglet will inspire you to adopt a “Piglet Mindset,” inspiring you to take action and get involved to better your community and the world. Melissa uses Piglet’s platform to educate and inspire others to adopt pets with special needs and raises awareness for special needs rescue groups and other animal welfare groups. I loved this book. It is special in every way and will grace my favorites shelf for years to come.

 

We (Jeff and I) are finding this book to be amazing!!! Caring for your soul is so important — now maybe more so than any other time. John Eldridge talks about restoration vs. relief and relishing in Beauty - the beauty that is found all around us in order to find restoration. He says, and I quote, “That’s it — beauty reaches. It rescues because it is merciful, comforting. It heals, restores, revives, renews. ...beauty reassures. Beauty reassures us that goodness is still real in the world, more real than harm or scarcity or evil. Beauty reassures us of abundance, especially that God is absolutely abundant in goodness and in life....it begins to minister to us — a good, deep soul-sigh. “
~ John Eldridge

“Get Your Life Back” is a wonderful, eye-opening book. I have been tempted to take my highlighter pen and highlight just about every word John has written. I feel myself letting go of the things that have been weighing me down and practicing the life-affirming tenants shared in his writing. I LOVE IT!!!
You will learn about the “One Minute Pause” and how to truly give “everything and everyone to God.” That’s the icing on the cake. Everything in between goes deep down to your heart, giving you a chance to revive your soul.

 

I have completely fallen in love with “Flash” the little donkey in this amazing book. Each chapter touches on some funny, warm, poignant little tidbit of wonderful, uplifting advice. It shows us how to live this crazy thing we call life to its fullest despite the hectic and sometimes crazy times we experience. Rachel Anne’s journey with her rescued Donkey, Flash, is funny, uplifting, real and honest. Her writing style is a delight. I just want to keep turning the page to see what happens next. Rachel intertwines how God shows up and reveals Himself in the most unexpected and amazing ways. I love this book! It’s a wonderful read and so worth adding to your collection of favorite books. It is definitely one of mine.

Cindy Owen of Given Entertainment Group wrote, “Bravo to Rachel Ridge for this beautifully written book that so eloquently reminds us that our everyday happenings in life can be great lessons and blessings in disguise from our Maker —even in the form of a donkey! Two things you will want when you turn the last page are a donkey in your yard and Rachel as one of your besties!”

 

 

This book was an absolute delight! Written by Sam Heughan and Graham McTavish, with a foreword written by the incomparable Diana Gabaldon, this book takes you on an unforgettable journey through the Highlands of Scotland. It is told with humor and passion and I was literally laughing out loud at some of the passages. Sam and Graham have forged an amazing bond of friendship through their shared experiences on the set of the hit TV show, Outlander (my all time favorite series ever, I might add) and the incredible journey they shared traversing the Scottish Highlands. They met quite a cast of real life Clan Chiefs, historians and real life Scots who shared the history and stories of Scotland with them. I felt as if I, too, were in Scotland, bumping along in their camper van awaiting the next stop on the journey. The historical information supplied by Sam and Graham was enlightening and was told in such a way as to draw you in with interjections of humor and modern day perspectives. Oh how I wish I had them to teach me history as a kid. I would have been so engaged.
I thought it appropriate to take the photo of this amazing book on a scarf that is the ‘Lindsay’ plaid, as my husband’s family heritage is Scottish. After watching Outlander, and having read this book, I have a deep desire to see Scotland myself. I recently found out that I have Irish and Welsh in my family heritage and find it interesting, after reading this book, that thousands of Scots emigrated to Ireland, England, and the Americas. My newly found Irish heritage may just have Scottish blood due to emigration back in the 1700 and 1800s. I’m interested in finding out more.
If you enjoy reading about history, you will love this book. If you dream of visiting Scotland, you will love this book. If you enjoy a good book full of friendship, adventures and misadventures, humor and passion, you will love this book.
Thanks to Sam Heughan and Graham McTavish for bringing the history of the Highland people alive for me.

 

💐I just finished this beautiful memoir by Julie Andrews. I am simply awed by her authenticity and generosity of spirit in the writing of her book, “Home Work.” I decided to listen to the book for most of it as it is narrated by Julie herself. The soft lyrical sway of her voice captured my heart and I was quickly engulfed in the narrative of her Hollywood Years. Her life is surprisingly “normal” in terms of her incredible star status and I am left more in awe of her than I was before reading her book. I have always loved the movie Mary Poppins and Julie shared some extraordinary stories and behind the scenes secrets that made the movie simply magical by Walt Disney standards. I was enthralled. When she played Maria VonTrap in “The Sound of Music” I dreamed of being her on top of that mountain singing “The Hills are Alive.” (Of course no one can sing it like Julie Andrews!!) I learned so much about her career apart from those two iconic movies that left me awed and inspired. I found the book fascinating and her storytelling engaging and almost mesmerizing. I have a new found admiration for Julie Andrews that goes far beyond my childhood infatuation. Julie Andrews is not only an incredibly talented performer, singer, and author, she is an attentive, giving, loyal, encouraging, supportive, and loving mother, spouse, daughter, grandmother, sister, and a beautiful human being. I highly recommend this lovely, sincere, sweet, heartfelt book. You will be glad that you spent time getting better acquainted with Dame Julie Andrews as she takes you on a surprising and fulfilling look into her adventures of stardom, motherhood, and the joys and sorrows that bind us all together.

 

My photo of this beautiful book does not do it justice. Neither will my sentiments as I find it challenging to sum up the incredible depth and immense beauty of this book. I listened to this book, narrated by its author, Jenna Bush Hager, a well as reading the book. Most of you know Jenna as the daughter and granddaughter of two former presidents, George W. Bush, her father and his father, George Bush, Jenna’s grandfather,”Gampy.” Jenna shares with such transparency, exquisite truthfulness, love and poignancy her many special memories of her family and growing up with loving parents, grandparents, and family. I felt as if I were welcomed into her inner circle of trusted friends and family. She is so warm, and giving in her writing and the stories revealed a woman strengthened by the love and support of her family.
You know the saying, “you can’t judge a book by its cover?” Jenna’s story is so different than I expected - I am ashamed to admit that I had a certain reality in my mind about her and her family that just did not even come close to the truth of the stories she shared in her memoir. This is an incredible read and one that I will long remember as a favorite of mine.

 

Isn’t this the most beautiful cover? I must admit to being drawn in by gorgeous artwork on the cover of a book. I was also taken in by the inviting story of “The Summer of Second Chances” by Andrea Hurst. The cover got me hooked but the story had me hook, line and sinker for it is every bit as beautiful in the storytelling as the cover is beautiful to look at.

This book has fast become one of my favorites for the lovely way it interweaves themes of love, friendship, hope, family and redemption. Each page I turned made me feel as if I were transported to the idyllic town of Moonwater Lake and that I, too, had become a neighbor, friend, confidant, and special character alongside Shelby, Alice, Theo, Wally, Logan, Trevor and a host of others. They all started to feel like family and I couldn’t wait to finish each chapter so I could find out what would happen in the next. This book is the perfect “feel-good” book and will give your mind, heart and soul a much needed respite from the difficult realities we are living through. It is the perfect escape. Winter is a challenging season for me personally, so just the title alone, grabbed my attention for I could dream about summer, sunnier days, and warmer temperatures. I wanted to be sitting on the front porch (like the cover) drinking lemonade and reading or visiting with my neighbors and enjoying one of Alice’s delicious baked treats. 

This book was simply delightful! If you enjoy stories that highlight everything that is good, everything right, everything wholesome, full of interesting characters, dogs, (did I mention dogs - anyone who loves dogs will be thrilled) and beautiful story telling, this is the book for you. Thank you, Andrea for your heartwarming story that I will long cherish. I can’t wait to read your other books!

 

🎧I just spent an hour listening to this beautiful book by Charlie Mackesy. To say that this story is touching and lovely is an understatement. It is moving and heart-touching and soul stirring. It is a story of friendship and love and the conquering belief in seeing the good in humanity, oneself and others. I can understand how this book won Barnes & Noble’s Book of the Year award for 2019.

A couple of my favorite quotes from the book:

🌟”What's your best discovery?” asked the mole. “That I'm enough as I am,” said the boy. “I'm so small,” said the mole. “Yes,” said the boy, “but you make a huge difference.”

🌟”What do we do when our hearts hurt?" asked the boy. "We wrap them with friendship, shared tears and time, till they wake hopeful and happy again.”

 

🔹People Magazine calls it “Enchanting.” Publisher’s Weekly said, “Brackston wonderfully blends history with the time-travel elements and a touch of romance...A page-turner.”
🔹I found it charming and full of characters I fell in love with. This story will long stay with me. It is a definite new favorite addition to my book shelf.
🔹Xanthe and her mother, Flora embark on a new adventure - opening a quaint little antiques shop in the inviting and welcoming town of Marlborough. Their new neighbors and fellow business owners extend to them welcoming hands of friendship and Xanthe and her mother begin to establish solid relationships with their new friends. The cast of characters move the story forward in an engaging manner and I was soon swept up into the intricacies of the intertwining of the past and the present. The time travel element was both eerie and supportive of the scope and magnitude of what the main character, Xanthe, must accomplish - even against a backdrop of seemingly impossible odds.
🔹As I turned each page, I found myself drawn more and more to how the story would resolve, hoping that it would be a happy resolution to a complicated and surprising storyline. There is history, romance and strong friendships, making this book an unforgettable one.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟