" A HOME LIKE OURS " by Fiona Lowe

 

I felt so much for Helen and the situation she found herself in, including moments of terror.... sleeping in a car isn't the safest place to be, however her strength and determination was well portrayed. She never expected to find herself in such circumstances, but surely this small town would be her safe place.

 

She is so different to that of unmarried Mum, Jade, whom I wanted to shake and hug at the same time. She put her faith in someone  totally undeserving, rather than in herself.

I wondered what Tara’s connection would be.. she seemed an unlikely addition at first, with a husband who was more interested in cricket than her. At first she seemed barely tolerant of her new neighbour, Fiza, a refugee, as she was so absorbed in her own problems, with their business and home.

I expected it would be Helen who first reached out to include Fiza, though in some ways, it was the reverse. 

Strangely enough, it was a community garden that united this mixed lot, along with the aid of the gentle man, Bob and the very understanding Lachie…

Fiona Lowe depicts small town people and problems so very well..  letting the reader get to know the inhabitants of Boolanga.

Thanks go to Better Reading who kindly supplied a copy of Fiona Lowe’s “ A Home Like Ours “ for review.

BRIGID..the GIRL from COUNTY CLARE.. by Vicky Adin.

BRIGID..the GIRL from COUNTY   CLARE..

by Vicky Adin

"Like making lace – she pieces together a new life from a single thread of hope.."

and that she does. 

The title attracted me as well as the description of a lacemaker, being a family historian and a craftswoman. It also helped that I am named after my Irish grandmother, Bridget, who was a native of Co Clare.

With all that in mind, I wondered if I was expecting too much, though reminding myself that this is a book of fiction. I was absorbed in the story from the beginning... the need to leave home, as there was simply not enough food, resonated with the story of my own family, who did this from two countries, one being Ireland.

The heartbreaking decision made, and the awful sad farewells made, Brigid finds herself in the turmoil of London, wondering just what had she done... At least she wasn't to be alone, as her cousin, Jamie, was to travel on the same ship. Not that they would be together too often, as the passengers were segregated. 

The voyage seems to take an interminable time, as you would expect in that era... Brigid's fellow passengers are portrayed in such a manner that you feel you are getting to know them as well as Brigid is. Her beautiful lace atracts attention and compliments set her dreaming of her future, in between reliving all that has passed before she came to the decision to leave her beloved Ireland.

There is so much that holds your attention.. including the meeting of a man who was to change her life, and not in a good way. Before you know it, you are settling with Brigid in her new home... To tell you much more would spoil the story.. Let's just say that there are a number of twists and turns, some good, some not and as things develop, Brigid begins yet another new life in New Zealand. It was going so well until a man from her past threatens to.. well, I'll let you find that out for yourself.

I couldn't stop turning just one more page, well, ok, just one more chapter... so much was familiar, yet so much was new and interesting. You really don't know what to expect, which to me is a sign of a well written story. At no time did I want to end this book... not just fiction, but factional.. and I can't wait to read more from this author.

Many thanks to Shannon O.  aka Shanannigans for providing me with this book.

Disclosure: I have no connection to the author or distributors of this book. If you would like a copy, please Google the title and author and select from whatever outlet suits you best. 

public domain