So, in the last post, I touched on some other books that I had recently read. I chose not to at the time create a really long post on my recent reads. So, now a couple of weeks later, I will share two books that I really did enjoy.
So if you watch or follow any English gardening shows or the industry, you most certainly will have heard of Alan Titchmarsh. Although many of you know Monty Don, whom I consider to be the Godfather of English gardening, Alan Titchmarsh is right up there. In the past couple of years, we have watched multiple documentaries on English gardens and historical estates all hosted by Mr. Titchmarsh (notice I am giving him the honor of Mr., as I think he is really smashing!)
So one day when looking at the gardening books written by Mr. Titchmarsh, I discovered that he also writes fiction! Lo and behold...I certainly needed to try one of his non horticultural outings. After reading about multiple books, I chose to order the title of Rosie and I am pleased that I did.
This book is set on the Isle of Wight and centers around Nick Robertson, a recently single artist who finds himself living with his dear eighty seven year old Gran, Rosie. Well let me back up, it all starts with a call that Rosie has been arrested and Nick needs to bail her out. With the following family issues and dramas, Rosie shows up on Nicks doorstep.
So what does this octogenarian Grandma have to teach Nick? Well it turns out quite a bit. Rosie has a secret from her distant past that she is trying to suss out sooner rather than later involving the Romanov dynasty. But during this time, Rosie embraces life with gusto and tries to bring her grandson along. Slowly through the infectious enthusiasm of Rosie, Nick finds himself embracing life. With a colorful cast of characters and some heart warming scenes, this is a real feel good book.
P.s. Alan Ticthmarsh has a brand new gardening channel on YouTube...check it out!
The other book that I enjoyed very much was Starting Over by Marcia Willett. I first encountered this author a couple of years ago. Her style of writing was very reminiscent of Rosamunde Pilcher and Maeve Binchy. All the books that I have read are really just great "people stories." It cannot be said any more plainly than that.
This book deals with the several families that are inter connected by the tragic death of a teenage girl. There is Hugh, who is carrying a debilitating guilt over the girls death, his mother Frances who is a bit of a busy body- but with a good heart. And there is Annie, whose loving husband has passed away, but she still feels Perry's strength and wisdom. Other characters come to the story and you are just drawn in by the people and their very human foibles.
There is one despicable character in the book, that I do not feel received his just desserts, but I think that is how life is sometimes. But you are left feeling at the end that everyone in this gentle orbit has found their place and footing.
There are books we read that make us feel human and connected with the characters. That has been my experience with every Marcia Willett book and encourage you to give one a try.
Coming next...I think...some of my current reads. The only hint I will give is Mary Stewart!
Love it