The Last Runaway

The Last Runaway

By Tracy Chevalier

Published 29 August 2013 The Borough Press

This was chosen to read by my library’s book club and I knew I had a copy already at home somewhere. Brilliant! I can actually read a book I own and either shelve it or donate it. I had a dig around in my boxes of unread books, found it and dug in.

Now I’m not normally a scatty person but work had been very hectic, however, I managed to finish my Tracy Chevalier in time for the meeting...hurrah. My triumph was short lived as we all sat down and unpacked the book. I had read the correct author, but not the correct book! Gah! The bookclubbers found this very amusing. I did review At the Edge of the Orchard for them and promised to read The Last Runaway (when I found it).

This is now the second Tracy Chevalier I have read and features some of my favourite reading topics. It’s historical fiction, set in a Quaker community in America during the days of slavery. As a child growing up reading the Laura Ingalls Wilder series, any novel that features cabins and crafting and sugaring off is a win for me.

Honor Bright is accompanying her sister Grace from Dorset to America where she will be married. It was never intended for Honor to go but after her intended left the Church to marry another, Honor was keen to escape the pitying glances of her community. At least she would know Grace was settled in her new life, in a new country with her new husband. Tragedy strikes however in the form of Yellow Fever, taking Grace and leaving a grieving Honor alone to travel and break the news to her fiancée, Adam. Travelling between Quaker friends, she makes her was West from New York to Faithwell, Ohio. Once there, she discovers Adam already grieving for his recently deceased brother and supporting his brother’s widow. She is welcomed as a sister but the household atmosphere is strained and Honor knows she will be unable to stay. What will become of Honor Bright?

I loved this book from start to finish and read it very quickly. I really felt attached to Honor, she is brave, resilient and a little feisty and I found myself hoping her life would would work out well. As I read, I learned a little about the Quaker religion, lifestyle and their views on slavery. I also learned about patchwork quilting (which I plan to have a go at) and read about millinery which I’ve always found fascinating. Set amongst the subterfuge and drama of the Underground Railroad Honor learns to love, live and listen to her conscience, staying true to her faith even in the most testing times. The rich detail brings the novel to life and the author includes historical notes on the Underground Railroad at the back of the novel.

The Last Runaway will be on my ‘Best Books I’ve read in 2019’ list. It’s sitting on my shelf next to At the Edge of the Orchard waiting for more Tracy Chevalier books to join it. I know I have Girl With a Pearl Earring in a box somewhere...

The Return

Hello,

It's been a while hasn't it?
Things got in the way - work, health, life. 
These things happen but while I haven't been blogging, I have been reading and reviewing and have a ton of reviews to post.

Speak to you soon!

The Cosy Teashop Tour

Hello there!

I hope you are sitting comfortably, preferably with a scone and a cuppa.

Today I am hosting a special guest post by Caroline Roberts, author of The Cosy Teashop in the Castle.

Caroline has very kindly written a piece for us about her time visiting castles in the North of England.

I was delighted when I discovered the novel is set in Northumberland as I have been lucky enough to holiday there and visit some of these castles...and tearooms!

So let me pass you on to Caroline:

Northumberland Castle and Teashop Tour:

Why not take a teashop and castle tour!

·         Chillingham Castle has it very own teashop within, just set off the inner courtyard. It’s an amazing place, you may recognize the leaded windows and huge fireplace from the novel.

·         Towering 150 foot above sea level, and set right on the beach, Bamburgh Castle looks every inch the mighty citadel it once was. It has a fabulous tearooms within its castle walls.

·         If you visit Alnwick Castle there’s the Courtyard Café within, or in the lovely and historic town of Alnwick itself try the fantastic range of teas at Bari Tea or the traditional Grannies tearooms.

·         Lindisfarne Castle/Holy Island – such a pretty place to visit, with several cafes and teashops on the island. Just remember to check the tide times for the causeway – you can get cut off!

·         Warkworth Castle – a historic castle and the scenic village has the gorgeous Cabosse patisserie and the lovely Bertram’s tea rooms

·         Not strictly a castle but a country hall, but the tea rooms at Howick Hall are rather special, ideal for afternoon tea, and well worth a mention, and the gardens there are delightful.

Enjoy your wonderful day out in Northumberland, or why not make a weekend of it! Wonder how many cakes and castles you can fit in?!

Sounds delicious, and I can personally vouch for the teashop at Bamburgh Castle!!

If all this talk of coffee and cake has whetted your appetite, be sure to look for Caroline's novel The Cosy Teashop in the Castle - out now from HarperImpulse

My Best Reads of 2015

Hello all,

What a busy year this has been! However, though I haven't posted, I have still been reading.

I would like to share with you fifteen best books I read in 2015.

Thanks to all of the amazing authors, illustrators, editors, publicists and fellow bloggers. Wishing you all a wonderful 2016

Love,

Tiff

My Best 15

If You Find Me by Emily Murdoch

A Boy Called Christmas by Matt Haig & Chris Mould

Wolf By Wolf by Ryan Graudin

Demon Road by Derek Landy

Crow Mountain by Lucy Inglis

A Place Called Winter by Patrick Gale

An Untamed State By Roxane Gay

Letters To the Lost by Iona Gray

Everything, Everything By Nicola Yoon

Neverhome By Laird Hunt

My True Love Gave to Me Edited by Stephanie Perkins

Bomb By Sarah Mussi

Mockingbird By Kathryn Erskine 

The Girl on the Train By Paula Hawkins 

Pugs of the Frozen North by Philip Reeve & Sarah McIntyre

Blog Tour: The Secret Life and Curious Death of Miss Jean Milne

The Secret Life and Curious Death of Miss Jean Milne

By Andrew Nicoll

Published July 17 2015 by B&W

I read this historical crime novel as part of a blog tour organised by B&W publishing.

Miss. Jean Milne is a spinster of independent means living alone at Elmgrove, a large detached house in the small coastal town of Broughty Ferry.

Concerns are raised with the local police when Miss. Milne is not seen. Her post is uncollected and her laundry cannot be delivered. 

Upon entering Elmgrove, the body of Miss. Milne is discovered. She had been tied up, bludgeoned and her body covered with a sheet.

The novel follows the subsequent police investigation - from the scene of the crime, through to witness statements and identity parades. 

It is discovered Miss. Milne led rather an exciting, racy life and enjoyed flirtation with young men. Scandalous!

Reports filter through the town of a stranger with a blonde moustache seen near Elmgrove. Is this her killer?

Based upon true events, I found this novel to be an enjoyable mystery, paced extremely well full of detail and description. I was surprised at the identity of the murderer, will you be?

Many thanks

to the publisher for sending a copy in return for an honest review.

Blogger Tour Review of Another Heartbeat in the House

Another Heartbeat in the House

By Kate Beaufoy

Published Transworld July 2 2015

I am very excited to be taking part in my first blog tour and am honoured to have been asked to review Another Heartbeat in the House.

The book begins with us meeting Edie Chadwick and Ian Fleming -yes, THE Ian 007 Fleming! Ian has a cameo role but Edie is the real star. London publisher, dog lover, heartbroken over a friend's betrayal. Escape comes in the form of an invitation to close up an old house in Ireland, in preparation for its sale.

It's just what Edie needs to keep her busy and give her a change of scenery so accompanied with her new canine companion Milo, she dons a headscarf, rolls her sleeves up and sets to work cataloguing and clearing the old house.

When Edie discovered an old manuscript, the booklover inside cannot help but read it, and falls under the spell of Eliza Drury - independent, strong willed mistress of Jameson St. Leger, member of Ireland's aristocracy.Oh, and friend of William Thackeray, and his inspiration for Becky Sharp - one of my favourite females in literature!!!

What started out being a light, intelligent read expanded in depth creating a tragic yet affirming story with wonderfully believable characterisation and immensely enjoyable natural dialogue. There wasn't a character there who didn't add to the story and the author's evocative and educational descriptions of Ireland had me fascinated. Another Heartbeat is one of my best reads of the year and has made me want to reread Vanity Fair as soon as I can!

Lettice & Victoria

Lettice & Victoria by Susanna Johnston

Published December 15, 2013 Arcadia Books

Lettice & Victoria was an unexpected surprise and a stonking good read. Reminiscent of days of Brideshead and the Mitfords, this book has the most delicious array of characters - I love Victoria with her chain smoking and knitting needles and Harold and Archie are a scream! 

Lettice & Victoria is a novel of family life and circumstance. Sharp and witty it really is a dream.

Thank you Susanna and Arcadia Books, Lettice & Victoria is a welcome addition to my bookshelves.