Books I Read in June 2025

This month I went on holiday.  Two weeks in the glorious Lake District filled with good food, good books and good walks. In fact, my dog Roxie, is finding home walkies far inferior as there are no lakes in which she can paddle in the shallows!

We had a fabulous time and were able to sit in the sunshine with a good book or two. In fact, I have read several five star reads this month so it will be difficult to choose a favourite, but I will try.

What have you been reading this month? Anything you would think I might enjoy?

The Last Train to Freedom by Deborah Swift

I seldom give books of this type five stars, but this one fully deserves it for bringing something new and refreshing to the genre. If you would like to read my review of this book you can find it here.

Rainbows and Lollipops by Mo Fanning

This is a wonderful book about friendship and family that I enjoyed reading very much, and it earned a five star review from me. If you would like to read my review of this book you can find it here.

What Will Survive of Us by Howard Jacobson

I really struggled to like the characters in this book. Well written but I found it somewhat lacking.

Great and Horrible News: Murder and Mayhem in Early Modern Britain by Blessin Adams

I haven't had an opportunity to review this excellent non-fiction title yet. It was extremely well researched and put together. 

The Rabbi's Suitcase by Robert Kehlmann

This was an enjoyable book based on the discovery of the author of a cache of hidden letters and will appeal to those interested in Jewish history. You can find my mini review by clicking here.

Wartime Comes to the West India Dock Road by Renita D'Silva

This was a really enjoyable read. My review won't be available until my stop on the blog tour on 25th July. Watch this space.

Libby and the Highland Heist by Jo Clarke

This is another book by my granddaughter's favourite author. It's a really enjoyable continuation of the Libby series.

A Murder for Miss Hortense by Mel Pennant

An enjoyable book in the cosy crime genre. My review of this book will be up on 3rd July.

Ladies Lunch and Other Stories by Lore Segal

I really wanted to enjoy this book of interconnected stories but alas, the book didn't live up to my hopes.

Butter by Asako Yuzuki

This was very different to anything I have read recently. I enjoyed it and my review is scheduled for the 8th July.

The Heirloom by Julie Brooks

Probably my favourite read this month.  It had everything that I love in a book. It is a dual timeline narrative, being set in both 1821 and 2024. Consequently, historical fiction runs alongside a contemporary narrative. I loved it. If you would like to read my review of this book you can find it here.

The Union Street Bakery by Mary Ellen Taylor

This was a gripping and engaging novel which I really loved, and it's about three sisters who are running the family bakery.  If you would like to read my review of this book you can find it here.

Women in Lockdown by The Wayfinder Woman Trust

The book is full to the brim with the writing, artwork and photographs of women in lockdown.   If you would like to read my review of this book you can find it here.

10 Ten Books I Want to Read in June 2025

 

Here we are in June and I am looking forward to this month. Not just for the reading but because it's my birthday and we are going on a long awaited holiday to the Lake District.

Consequently, I should get lots of reading time and I'm looking forward to catching up on some of those books which have been on my radar to read for a while; as well as some nice new recent releases... and who knows if any new birthday books might appear!

Here are just ten of the books I would like to read.

The Door-to-Door Book Store by Carsten Henn

The Silken Rose by Carol McGrath

The Hundred Loves of Juliet by Evelyn Skye

The Perfect Crime: Around the World in 22 Murders by Vaseem Khan and Maxim Jakubowski

Butter by Asako Yuzuki

No Stone Unturned by Pam Lecky

Dark Flood by Karon Alderman

The Union Street Bakery by Mary Ellen Taylor

All the Little Bird Hearts by Viktoria Lloyd-Barlow

Pioneering Women's Education by Sally Waller

My Top 10 Ten Festive Books to Read this Christmas - #booklist

 

This photo which was taken by Nathan Lemon, looks as though it could contain books.

Have you been thinking about what books to buy for your friends and family? Or maybe you would just like to treat yourself to something festive?

Here are ten books that I think would make fantastic gifts. I have purchase links to Amazon but these books are also available from your preferred booksellers.

The Little Christmas Library by David M. Barnett

Molly McGinley has had enough of London and, feeling like a failure, heads home to the unremarkable Northern town of Merry-le-Moors, to move back in with dad Jack for Christmas.

Jack, still mourning the loss of his wife and Molly's mum ten years ago, nevertheless maintains a positive outlook on life, and to lift Molly from her slump insists she goes out with him on his daily rounds driving the town's mobile library.

When an elderly man, Cliff, starts coming into the library for warmth and companionship, Jack and Molly provide tea and sympathy... and begin to attract the lost, lonely and jaded people of Merry-le-Moors, who gather each day at the mobile library to talk about books, life and love. Each of them is searching for something in life, and Jack and Molly know just how to find it in the library.

As friendships - and more - begin to form, Christmas approaches... and so does a dark cloud on the horizon. The library is under threat, and so too the fragile friendships that have been formed.

But this is Christmas, after all, and magic - like love - can be found in the most unlikely places.

Purchase Link:  Amazon UK  Amazon US

A Book for Christmas by Selma Lagerlöf

An enchanting selection of Christmas tales by the Nobel Prize-winning Swedish national treasure – now available in English for the first time

‘But what shall I do on Christmas night if nobody has given me a book?’

A little girl receives a gift to treasure; the creatures of the forest gather to celebrate the New Year; an evil noblewoman schemes against her beautiful niece; a cantankerous gravedigger dines with an unexpected companion on Christmas Eve…

In this enchanting selection of winter stories, now available in English for the first time, the beloved writer Selma Lagerlöf weaves together magic and miracles, Swedish folklore and timeless fables, darkness and light, heartfelt joy and festive wonder.

Purchase Links:  Amazon UK   Amazon US

Mr Santa by Jarvis

When a little girl comes face to face with Santa in her own house, she can hardly believe it! It’s her golden opportunity to ask him the questions – all the many questions! – that she’s been desperate to know... Can Santa eat clouds? Does he stop at traffic lights? Is his belly button innie or outie?

With his signature warmth and visual humour, Jarvis channels the excitement and joy of every child who has dreamed of meeting the loveable guy who personifies the most magical night of the year.

Purchase Links      Amazon UK    Amazon US

Christmas with the Queen by Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb

December 1952

As a young Queen Elizabeth II prepares to deliver her first Christmas speech, staff work behind the scenes to get ready for the festivities at Sandringham Estate. Among them are Jack and Olive – old friends who are surprised to be reunited after seven years apart.

While Olive works for the BBC reporting on the royal family, and Jack is employed in the queen’s kitchens, their bond deepens – until a secret threatens to tear them apart. When the truth comes to light, it could change Olive and Jack's lives forever.

But maybe Christmas has one last gift to deliver…

Purchase Links   Amazon UK   Amazon US

Christmas Joke Book: 300 Laugh-out-loud jokes by National Geographic Kids

Laugh-out-loud jokes for guaranteed family fun this Christmas!

Have fun with family and friends with this hilarious seasonal joke book.

What is the sneakiest snack in the bakery?

A mince spie!

Why are Christmas trees bad at sewing?

They keep dropping their needles!

Bursting with 300 side-splittingly funny jokes, amazing festive facts and tons of colourful photos it is sure to raise a chuckle this Christmas!

Purchase Links   Amazon UK   Amazon US

A Christmas Gift for the East End Library Girls by Patricia McBride

As the war continues, the library girls face their greatest challenge yet...

With the echoes of war reverberating around London, Cordelia, Mavis, and Jane are delighted to be blessed with some good news: the King and his Queen will be making a visit to the East End.

As excitement builds, so does their apprehension. With each passing day, the threat of destruction from air raids increasingly plagues their worried minds.

But with Christmas on the horizon, their morale is at an all-time high, and the girls are determined to display to their esteemed guests all they have done with the library – and with so little.

For Mavis especially, she is more focused on the library than ever – her beloved Joe is still fighting overseas and she is waiting for news on whether she might adopt young Joyce.

But perhaps the royal visit will not be the only Christmas gift she'll be surprised with this year…?

Purchase Links:  Amazon UK    Amazon US  (currently available on Kindle Unlimited)

A Christmas Murder by Mary Grand

Susan didn’t plan on being an amateur sleuth and, after two successful investigations, she’s looking forward to a quiet Christmas.

So, when local businesswoman Meera is in desperate need of help, Susan agrees rather reluctantly.

The task should be easy enough. The infamous press mogul Duncan Fern is coming back to the Isle of Wight, the scene of his family’s childhood holidays, to celebrate Christmas with his grown-up children and their partners, his new glamorous wife Kirsten who is forever dripping with diamonds, and the spikey editor of his paper the Morning Flame, Antoine. The newly-refurbished luxurious Bishopstone Manor is the perfect setting for a festive break and all Susan has to do is help Meera host.

But when a snowstorm descends over the island, and the following morning a body is found, Christmas at the Manor takes a darker turn. Can Susan get to the bottom of the mystery before the murderer strikes again…

Purchase Links   Amazon UK    Amazon US  (currently available on Kindle Unlimited)

Home for Christmas by Heidi Swain

Bella is living her best life in Wynbridge, with her beloved Spaniel, Tink. She’s found a way to keep the house she inherited from her grandparents while expanding her dream business – Away With the Fairies – and she’s ecstatic that Christmas is on the horizon!

 

In fact, everything is perfect until family friend, Catherine Connelly asks Bella if she’d be willing to rent part of the house to freelance author, Jude who is researching the history of the Connelly Clan and Wynthorpe Hall ahead of turning his findings into a book. The plan had been for Jude to stay at the hall, but he can’t cope with the chaos and Bella reluctantly agrees to open her door to him.

 

Initially, the pair clash but then friendlier feelings begin to grow and Bella finds herself wondering if Jude could become more than just another guest before it’s time for him to leave. That is, until he announces he has no time for Christmas!

 

With her favourite time of the year suddenly in jeopardy, will Bella ever feel like she’s home for Christmas?

Purchase Links   Amazon UK    Amazon US

The Christmas Cottage by Sarah Morgan

Will this Christmas finally bring comfort and joy?

A PAINFUL SECRET - Imogen loves her job as an events organiser, and her colleagues are in awe of her. But Imogen isn’t the person she pretends to be, and she’s hiding painful truths about her past. But as long as she can keep on top of her work, Imogen can put everything else to one side.

AN ACT OF KINDNESS - And then Imogen makes a catastrophic mistake at work, and finally realises it's time to reset. When her favourite client, Dorothy, invites her to spend Christmas with her and her family, in her cottage in the Cotswolds, it sounds like the perfect way for Imogen to take stock.

FINDING HAPPINESS AT CHRISTMAS - Imogen soon settles into idyllic cottage life, especially with the prospect of a new romance on the horizon … but when long-buried secrets and unwanted faces from the past resurface, Imogen’s new peace is threatened. Will Imogen end up alone this Christmas, or can she find it in her heart to forgive and move on?

Purchase Links    Amazon UK    Amazon US

A Little Labradoodle Christmas by April M. Cox/Kairi Fullerton/Romesh Ram

Looking for a holiday tale that will bring smiles and inspire your child to spread kindness? A Little Labradoodle Christmas is the perfect addition to your holiday reading tradition.

When a grumpy old cat grumbles his way through the holidays, two playful Labradoodles and a kind-hearted little girl set out on a mission to change his mind. Together, they embark on a heartwarming adventure, determined to show the cat that Christmas is about more than just decorations and gifts—it's about love, kindness, and reaching out to those who need it most.

Perfect for children ages 4-8, this beautifully illustrated story promotes important messages about compassion, making a difference, and embracing the spirit of giving. Cozy up with your little ones and share this delightful holiday story that will warm hearts and inspire smiles.

Inspired by the imagination of 7-year-old Kairi and brought to life with the loving guidance of her Nana, April Cox, A Little Labradoodle Christmas combines the wonder of a child's perspective with the craftsmanship of a seasoned storyteller. As the fourth installment in The Little Labradoodle series, this charming tale will resonate with young readers and families alike.

Purchase Links   Amazon UK    Amazon US (currently available on Kindle Unlimited)

Here are the links to a couple of books that I have previously reviewed.

A Little Christmas Spirit by Susan Buchanan

Christmas with Hamish by Sophie Penhaligon

Reading Roundup for August 2024

 

It is so nice to be back after my visit to Cheshire where I visited my son and his lovely wife. I took the above photo while I was away. It is a huge Paddington Bear which is completely made from straw. It is sited at Snugberry Farm in Cheshire where they sell the most amazing range of ice creams. It would have been rude not to sample a few while we were there! 

I managed a fair bit of reading while I was away, not all of which I have written reviews for yet.

Did you have a good reading month? What was your favourite read of August?

Books I Have Read

The King's Messenger by Susanna Kearsley - This is an author that I already liked and this book lived up to my expectations. Historical fiction of a lesser known queen. You can read my review by clicking here.

Rakiya: Stories of Bulgaria by Ellis Shuman - Needless to say, this is a collection of short stories which are all set in Bulgaria. I enjoyed reading them very much. You can read my review by clicking here.

The House of the Witch by Clare Marchant - This is probably my favourite read in August. A dual timeline set in the 17th century and the present. I highly recommend this one and you can read my review by clicking here.

Love in the Library by Maggie Tokuda-Hall & Illustrated by Yas Imamura - This picture book tells the story of how the author's grandparents, Tama and George, first met and fell in love. You can read my review by clicking here.

No Funeral for Nazia by Taha Kehar - I enjoyed this very much. Written from the persepective of a narrator who has passed away. Excellent fiction. You can read my review by clicking here.

When You Were Mine by Emma-Claire Wilson - This was an extremely enjoyable read based around two women who meet in the emergency department of a hospital in Spain when they both go into labour.

And Then She Fell by Alicia Elliott - This was fabulous and I really hope to get a review up soon. It features a native American woman who marries a white Canadian man. It made for riveting reading.

One Midnight With You by Shari Low - This was a nice book and my review will be up tomorrow as part of the blog tour.

Hanukkah by Leslea Newman - A wonderful picture book for children and my review will be up later this week.

One Grand Summer by Ewald Arenz - A coming of age story which was beautifully written. You can read my review by clicking here.

A Class Act by Julie Houston - Quite frankly I would read anything by this author. This was another wonderful read and you can find my review by clicking here.

The Missing Family by Tim Weaver -  It is number thirteen in the David Raker series. It worked well as a stand alone and was an enjoyable read.  You can read my review by clicking here.

Ancestry by Simon Mawer - This was a very enjoyable fictionalised account of the author's ancestors. Well worth reading.

Yellowface by R.F. Kuang - I'm always sceptical when I approach a book which has had so much hype. However, this was fantastic and I highly recommend it.

Books I Am Partway Through

The Dark Wives by Ann Cleeves

The Witch of the Breton Woods by Jennifer Ivy Walker

Henry V by Dan Jones

Folklore of Sussex by Jacqueline Simpson

Weyward by Emilia Hart

Rakiya by Ellis Shurman - #bookreview

 From Mother and Daughter:

There was no need for words. Lyuba urged her daughter forward, indicating with a nod which person the young girl should approach...

***

A mother pickpocketing tourists in order to support her daughter. An elderly war veteran ashamed of his actions during the Holocaust. Two brothers hunting a killer bear. A Syrian refugee working in a Sofia bakery. A femme fatale disappearing at an international writers’ conference. And two neighbors competing to see who makes the best alcoholic drink.

This collection of heartwarming and culturally illuminating stories introduces readers to Bulgaria—its majestic mountains; picturesque villages; and rich history and traditions—and leaves them wanting more.

***

This was a fabulous collection of short stories which are set in Bulgaria. In fact, I am struggling to think of anything which I have previously read being set there. Neither can I even recall a book based in Bulgaria either. Do please comment if you know of any.

This collection of stories is commendable and there was so much I liked about them. The book begins with the titular, Rakiya story. It revolves around a regional competition regarding who can make the best drink. Two neighbours are rivals for the award and this was amusing to read.

What oozes from all of those stories is the essence of Bulgaria itself, and it is every bit as cruicial as the characters are. In some of the stories we find an element of cross over as we see the reappearance of some of the characters who were in previous stories. This gave great perspective to them and I enjoyed reading the various points of view.

If I had to choose a favourite story it would have to be Lockdown. This story really got under the skin of the main character and the author did a great job with it. 

Additionally, the author brought all of these stories to life really well. I felt immersed in the tales and even more so in Bulgaria itself. I enjoyed learning about the customs and culture through the people in these stories. 

This is well worth reading.

ISBN:  979 8324380014

Publisher:  Independently published

Formats:  e-book, hardback and paperback

No. of Pages:  192 (paperback)

About the Author:

Ellis Shuman is an American-born Israeli author, travel writer, and book reviewer. His writing has appeared in The Jerusalem Post, The Times of Israel, and The Huffington Post. His short fiction has been nominated for the Pushcart Prize, and has appeared in Isele Magazine, Vagabond, The Write Launch, Esoterica, Jewish Literary Journal, San Antonio Review, and other literary publications. He is the author of The Virtual Kibbutz, Valley of Thracians, and The Burgas Affair.

(book and media courtesy of the author)

(all opinions are my own)

10 Ten Books I Want to Read in August 2024

 

The school summer holidays have begun now. When my sons were young, a trip to the library or a bookshop was always a must. It was a time to take things at a slightly more leisurely pace when we did not have the deadlines of school to get to and so on. 

I hope you get to share some quality reading time with the little ones in your life this summer. I would love to hear which books you have been sharing.

Here are ten books which I hope to read this month. There are a few for our young ones too this month.

A Christmas Gift for the East End Girls by Patricia McBride

The Not So Wicked Witch by Bethan Stevens

My Lady Jane by Hand, Ashton and Meadows

The Light and Shade of Ellen Swithin by DG Coutinho

The True Crime Lover's Guide to London by Charlotte Booth and Brian Billington

The Dictionary Story by Oliver Jeffers and Sam Winston

You're a Poet by Sean Taylor and Sam Usher

Rakiya: Stories of Bulgaria by Ellis Sherman

The Royal Palaces by Kate Williams

No Funeral for Nazia by Taha Kehar

(media courtesy of Unsplah/clipart.com)

(all opinions are my own)

Books I Want to Read in July 2024

 

It's July and a whole new month of reading ahead.

As I sit writing this the weather is cool for July and I can see black clouds from my window. It looks as thought I won't be retreating to the garden with a book today.

What are your reading plans for this month? Here are a few books which I hope to read.

Butter by Asako Yuzuki

Honeycomb by S. B. Caves

The Missing Family by Tim Weaver

The Faith of Their Fathers by Samuel M. Sargeant

Smelly Peggy by Helen Stephens

Luigi: The Spider Who Wanted to Be a Kitten by Michelle Knudsen & Kevin Hawkes

Summer at the Santorini Bookshop by Rebecca Raisin

Mist Over Pendle by Robert Neill

Love's Work by Gillian Rose

Dog Stories Ed. by Diana Secker Tesdell

Happy Reading

Reading Roundup for April 2024

 

Another month has passed us by. April has gone and what a wet and rainy month it has been. 

I am still working hard at training my puppy, Roxie. She is almost five months old now and her training classes are going well. It is very much still a work in progress though, although she is learning to let me get on with my work a little better!  It has been unfortunate that I sprained my ankle badly and so haven't been able to take her out for walks during the day. She is still getting out though as my husband takes her before and after work but I was enjoying my springtime walks with her. Never mind, my ankle is healing now.

I have read some great books this month. Have you read anything that you would recommend?

Books I Have Read

From Crime to Crime by Richard Henriques - This was a really interesting non-fiction book which I borrowed from the libraray. The author was both QC and later Judge in some of the biggest court trials in Britain. 

Murder on the Dancefloor by Katie Marsh - This is the second book in the Bad Girls Detective Agency series and was very enjoyable. You can read my review by clicking here.

Wise Up! Wise Down! by John Agard and JonArno Lawson - A delightful collection of poems for middle grade children. You can read my review by clicking here.

Red Runs the Witch's Thread by Victoria Williamson - I read this for the blog tour. Set in Scotland during the late 17th/early18th century. You can read my review by clicking here.

Before the Swallows Came Back by Fiona Curnow - This is a gorgeous novel teeming with nature, wild life and a great plot. You can read my review by clicking here.

Whitechapel Autumn of Error by Ian Porter - Set in London's East End during the late 1880's when Jack the Ripper roamed the streets. This is a good addition to the genre. You can read my review by clicking here.

Looking for Lucie by Amanda Addison - This title for young adults is about using DNA testing to find out about ourselves. You can read my review by clicking here.

The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and a Horse by Charlie Mackesy - I'm a bit late to the part on this one but enjoyed it once I finally got around to reading it.

Hard Times for the East End Library Girls by Jean Fullerton - This is the second book in the series and I enjoyed it very much. You can read my review by clicking here.

The Night in Question by Susan Fletcher - I loved this one. You can read my review by clicking here.

Takeout Sushi by Christopher Green - A collection of short stories which are mostly set in modern Japan. You can read my review by clicking here.

The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods - This was a delightful book with a dual timeline, a mystery and magical realism. It's probably my favourite book this month. You can read my review by clicking here.

Dangerous Times on Dressmakers' Alley by Rosie Clarke - This was a great book in the saga genre. You can read my review by clicking here.

Books I Did Not Finish

The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay by Michael Chabon - This has been on my TBR for so long and when I finally got to it I couldn't get into it at all.

Books I am Partway Through

The Book-Lovers' Retreat by Heidi Swain

Does My Dog Love Me? by Graeme Hall

Sleepers and Ties by Gail Kirkpatrick

Widows on the Wine Path by Julia Jarman

(header photo courtesy of Florencia Veadana)

(all opinions are my own)

Takeout Sushi by Christopher Green & Illustrated by Rebecca Purton - #bookreview #blogtour

 

Tsune moved home at the end of January. Her husband Matsu's company was due to relocate to Yokohama in April and, after several months of searching, they settled on an apartment in nearby Kawasaki...

***

Takeout Sushi is a collection of 17 illustrated short stories set mostly in contemporary Japan that explore feelings of belonging, displacement, and the strangeness of everyday human interaction.

In an innovative, fast-paced company, a man’s job comes under threat when a team of robots are brought in to replace the HR department. A husband’s search for shortcuts to his domestic tasks goes painfully wrong. Overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle of Tokyo, a foreigner takes a weekend break and discovers something other than solitude in the mountains.

Marking Christopher Green’s debut adult fiction and inspired by his own experiences, these whimsical slice-of-life tales are full of heart and humour—perfect for fans of Convenience Store Woman and Before the Coffee Gets Cold.

***

Generally speaking, I am not a lover of short stories. However, every now and again I discover a collection which entices me to read them. When I was offered an advanced reader's copy of this book I was sufficiently interested to try it.

My son and I share a mutual interest in Japanese fiction, and books frequently get passed back and forth between us. This book is a little different to our normal reading fare in that it is not written by a Japanese author. That said, the author has lived in Japan for many years, and these stories are written with insight. His observations of contemporary Japanese life made for easy and enjoyable reading.

The short quote at the header of this post is the opening couple of sentences to the first story in the book, Swallows, which I really enjoyed reading and is a great introduction to the quality of the stories.  They are entertaining and some are written with wit and humour. I laughed out loud at the efforts that a husband went to demonstrate that he could cope alone when his wife was away on business in Burned. 

There are just a few stories towards the end of the collection which are set in other parts of the world but are equally entertaining.

Each of these stories had something to offer, and I hesitate to say which was my favourite as I enjoyed so many of them. However, if I had to pick just one, it would have to be Spinning Wheels, as it demonstrates the fiasco that could occur if we allowed robots to be in charge. I am certain that everyone who reads this book would have a different list of their preferred ones and that is what makes this book so appealing. 

The illustrations at the beginning of each chapter were a nice addition, and I liked their simple yet appealing style.

I recommend this book to lovers of short stories and those interested in modern Japan.

ISBN: 978 1915584311

Publisher:  Neem Tree Press

Formats:  paperback

No. of Pages:  272

About the Author:

A long-time resident of Japan, Christopher lives near Tokyo with his wife and daughter. Christopher writes short stories and children's stories. His first collection of short stories Takeout Sushi is due for publication by Neem Tree Press in May 2024.

For a little more about Christopher and his books, please visit www.greeninjapan.com.

For Christopher's goodreads page for his children's books, please visit Chris Green.

(ARC and media courtesy of The Write Reads)

(all opinions are my own)

The Complete Short Stories of A. A. Milne by A. A. Milne - Introduction by Gyles Brandreth #bookreview #blogtour

 

The publication of this complete collection of his short stories would have given A. A. Milne so much pleasure.

***

A new collection of A. A. Milne’s short stories and sketches for grown-ups. Collected in full for the first time, they are an epiphany, and show Milne’s renowned charm, concision and whimsical flair in all their brilliance.

He paints memorable scenes, from a children’s birthday party, to an accidental encounter with murder, and a case of blackmail – often with an unexpected twist. But he also deals in poignancy, from the girl who pulls the wool over her boyfriend’s eyes, to a first dance and first disappointment or family reunion and domestic dissonance.

Beguiling and evocative, Milne’s thought-provoking stories will make you see his works for children in a whole new light.

***

What a varied and delightful collection of short stories, some of which are being published for the first time.

Whilst A. A. Milne is most famous for his Winnie the Pooh stories, this collection demonstrates that he was an accomplished writer of stories for adults too. All of the stories in this collection are very different. Printed in chronological order there is an element of the development of the author with each story.

Having been written from 1914 - 1953, plus a few undated fragments of stories, there is a wonderfully traditional feel to them. They are very much tales of their time.

Throughout the stories the reader meets some interesting characters. Coupled with their individual stories, I was delighted to make their acquaintance. I particularly enjoyed the story, A Rattling Good Yarn. I also enjoyed The Secret and C.O.D. There was sufficient in each story to get my teeth into, although at times I would have liked the story to be developed further but alas, such is the nature of the short story.

With an introduction by Gyles Brandreth, this is a book well worth seeking out. It would be a wonderful book to dip in an out of from time to time, and I can see myself coming back to it time and time again.

ISBN: 978 1788424493

Publisher:  Farrago

Formats: e-book, audio and paperback

No. of Pages:  448 (paperback)

About the Author:

A. A. Milne (Alan Alexander) is best known for his books about the teddy bear Winnie-the-Pooh. Prior to the First World War he worked as a young man as Assistant Editor of Punch magazine. After leaving the army, he began to write plays, short stories and novels; and then later works for children, including the poetry collection When We Were Very Young and the storybook Winnie-the-Pooh in 1926. Milne continued to be a prolific writer until his death in 1956.

(book and media courtesy of Random Things Tours)

(all opinions are my own)