Topping Up Destiny.

Book Review for “The President's Hat” by Antoine Laurain. Summary: "Dining alone in an elegant Parisian brasserie, accountant Daniel Mercier can hardly believe his eyes when President François Mitterrand sits down to eat at the table next to him. Daniel’s thrill at being in such close proximity to the most powerful man in the land … Continue reading Topping Up Destiny. →

#ShortStorySunday – TCL’s Homework.

Four Short Reviews for Four Irish Short Stories. In preparation for my writers' retreat in Ireland in September (with Claire Keegan - author of "Foster" and "Small Things Like These" which were just amazing), participants were requested to read the novel "The Barracks" by John McGahern, as well as the following short stories: “The Tent” … Continue reading #ShortStorySunday – TCL’s Homework. →

The In Between Time.

Book Review for “Ex-Wife” by Ursula Parrott. Summary: "It's 1924, and Peter and Patricia have what looks to be a very modern marriage. Both drink. Both smoke. Both work, Patricia as a head copywriter at a major department store. When it comes to sex with other people, both believe in “the honesty policy.” Until they … Continue reading The In Between Time. →

TCL’s Shelf Control #11 – Yes, I am One.

Shelf Control is a weekly celebration created by Lisa @ Bookshelf Fantasies, of the unread books on our shelves. Lisa says: "Pick a book you own but haven’t read, write a post about it (suggestions: include what it’s about, why you want to read it, and when you got it), and link up! For more … Continue reading TCL’s Shelf Control #11 – Yes, I am One. →

Profoundly Different and Profoundly the Same.

Book Review for “The Barracks” by John McGahern. Summary: "Elizabeth Reegan, after years of freedom and loneliness, marries into the enclosed Irish village of her upbringing. The children are not her own; her husband is straining to break free from the servile security of the police force; and her own life, threatened by illness, seems … Continue reading Profoundly Different and Profoundly the Same. →

TCL’s #6Degrees of Separation for May 6, 2023.

From “Hydra” by Adriane Howell to “Ever Rest” by Roz Morris. This is a monthly link-up hosted by KateW at Books Are My Favourite and Best. Each month a book is chosen as a starting point and linked to six other books to form a chain. A book doesn’t need to be connected to all … Continue reading TCL’s #6Degrees of Separation for May 6, 2023. →

#CCSpin 33 Review – La Traviata.

Book Review for “The Lady of the Camellias” by Alexandre Dumas fils. Summary: "Marguerite Gautier is a courtesan in the city of Paris. The symbol of her character is the camellia, pale and cold. She was once a needleworker who, while taking a rest cure in Bagneres, was befriended by a wealthy duke whose daughter … Continue reading #CCSpin 33 Review – La Traviata. →

When the Comet Strikes.

Book Review for “A Cowardly Woman No More” by Ellen Cooney. Summary: "Over the course of one fateful day, Trisha Donahue begins to reclaim her courage and discovers secrets in a familiar place. A surprising, quietly dramatic adventure story infused with Ellen Cooney’s warm humor and wisdom. After years of skilled work and dedication, Trisha Donahue … Continue reading When the Comet Strikes. →

TCL’s #6Degrees of Separation for April 1, 2023.

From “Born to Run: An Autobiography" by Bruce Springsteen to “Daisy Jones & The Six” by Taylor Jenkins Reid. This is a monthly link-up hosted by KateW at Books Are My Favourite and Best. Each month a book is chosen as a starting point and linked to six other books to form a chain. A … Continue reading TCL’s #6Degrees of Separation for April 1, 2023. →

Their Way.

Book Review for “Strangers in the Night” by Heather Webb. Summary: "In the golden age of Hollywood, two of the brightest stars would define--and defy--an era... She was the small-town southern beauty transformed into a Hollywood love goddess. He was the legendary crooner whose voice transfixed the world. They were Ava Gardner and Frank Sinatra. … Continue reading Their Way. →