Charming and cozy! I'm so happy to have add another title to my favorite books by D.E. Stevenson—yay!
D.E. Stevenson never disappoints with her lively,Charming and cozy! I'm so happy to have add another title to my favorite books by D.E. Stevenson—yay!
D.E. Stevenson never disappoints with her lively, domestic and wonderful novels, especially in this case. I had no idea that this book was republished under the titles, 'The Enchanted Isle' and 'Charlotte Fairlie', so I originally thought that I had found a new book I'd never heard of online. The newer titles are much more appealing than 'Blow the Wind Southerly', but I'm very excited that I have a vintage hardcover copy of this fantastic story set in England and Scotland.
There are so many characters to love in this novel, including Charlotte herself, Tessa and Rory MacRynne. At first, I was very annoyed, outraged and disgusted by the character of Miss Pinkerton. She is a character that I'm sure people love to hate, but I almost had to stop reading the book for a while because her actions upset me so much.
Thankfully, I kept going and I'm so glad that I did. I love the settings of St. Elizabeth's School for Girls and Targ, a remote island in Scotland. There is so much to love about this book that it's hard to put into words. D.E. Stevenson's descriptions of home, school, nature and food are incredibly cozy, which is not surprising. The conversations between characters are interesting and feel so real and natural.
I don't want to spoil the ending, so I won't say much about it. But, I cannot wait to reread this book in the future. Highly, highly recommended!...more
A wonderful, joyful and entertaining read!! I first saw this book mentioned in Mrs. Appleyard's Year (which I'm in the middle of reading) as one of thA wonderful, joyful and entertaining read!! I first saw this book mentioned in Mrs. Appleyard's Year (which I'm in the middle of reading) as one of the two books that she read over and over again and loved. (The other was The Turning of the Screw, I think.) Because of the way Mrs. Appleyard wrote about Pleasures and Palaces, I was really intrigued and decided to find a copy. Thank goodness I did!
This is now one of my favorite, feel-good, sparkling and hopeful books of all time. It's full of likeable characters, tons of domestic details, friendship, love and the comforts of having a home. The story made me giggle many times and, for such a quick and easy-to-read book, it's very deep and touching.
It all centers on young Marie Rose, her flaws and her stubbornness to keep a frivolous and helpless lifestyle going from place to place, relying on others to do everything for her. She cannot stand to have or take care of a home if there is a hotel with maid service nearby. All of that changes one fateful day.
I highly, highly recommend this simple but lovely novel. I could have easily read it in a single day, but I had to keep stopping because I didn't want it to end. I'm hoping Juliet Wilbor Tompkins other books are just as good! (I've already ordered a couple.) If you need a little positivity or motivation in your life, this is the book to try!...more
Beautiful and comforting book! Gladys Taber never disappoints with her memoirs about life, nature, cooking and family at Stillmeadow in rural ConnectiBeautiful and comforting book! Gladys Taber never disappoints with her memoirs about life, nature, cooking and family at Stillmeadow in rural Connecticut. I used so many book darts for this book—almost half a tin!
I can never sufficiently express my love for Gladys' writing, loving thoughts and hopeful inspiration. Reading a chapter every month of the year is like receiving a warm hug and wise advice from your most beloved family member. I wish so much that I'd been able to meet her in person.
Although I seem to be reading these books entirely out of order, it doesn't seem to matter. I've now started the first book in her Stillmeadow series (which begins in November), but I'm sure I'll be reading another one at the same time. My life is infinitely better when I have Gladys Taber by my side (literally on my bedside table) all year long.
If you've never read books by this wonderful author, I would start with Country Chronicle or Reveries at Stillmeadow (a tiny Hallmark book). Both of these started me on my Gladys Taber path and I am unbelievably grateful for coming across this suggestion on Bookstagram. I only wish I remember who mentioned her books to me. To that person, I am forever grateful!
I cannot recommend this book (or any Stillmeadow book) by Gladys highly enough. Not exactly life changing, but certainly and fully life affirming! ❤️❤️...more
The English Air made me smile inside and out! I loved this book! I fell in love with the domestic details and pretty much all of characters. My favoriThe English Air made me smile inside and out! I loved this book! I fell in love with the domestic details and pretty much all of characters. My favorite characters are Wynne (brave, caring, lively, and smart), Dane (a supportive, loyal, intelligent, and understanding), Sophie (a sweet, loving darling of a lady!), and Tante Anna (also loyal, loving, and brave).
I also adored Fernacres and wished so much that it was a real home that I could visit. The way Franz described teatime, the home decor, and all of the domestic details made my heart flutter.
The balance between the seriousness of the impending war with Germany and the Nazi invasion compared with the everyday lives of both the English and the German people was beautifully executed by the author. She has such a talent for keeping you informed with the goings on in the world, while also keeping you a bit screened from them at the same time. Almost like the tone Agatha Christie has in her novels.
This story is in the top five of my top ten favorite D.E. Stevenson books along with Katherine Wentworth, Katherine's Marriage, Mrs. Tim of the Regiment, The House on the Cliff, Sarah Morris Remembers, The Blue Diamond, Fletcher's End, Vittoria Cottage and Miss Buncle's Book.
My very first Slightly Foxed book! I knew I would love these gorgeous, hardcover editions with all of my heart and soul. As soon as it arrived in the My very first Slightly Foxed book! I knew I would love these gorgeous, hardcover editions with all of my heart and soul. As soon as it arrived in the mail and I took it out of the box, I was in love.
Not only is the quality of the book incredibly impressive, but the font, the page thickness and the overall beauty of the book is just overwhelming. Not only perfect for gifting to a bookish friend, but also an edition worthy of the warmest hugs and for passing down through next generations of book lovers.
This book in particular touched my heart so much. It was hard not to get emotional over this collection of letters from a father to his son. Each page is a beloved piece of art and you can truly spend an entire 10 minutes just looking through every detail. Don’t forget to look at the hand-drawn stamps, too!
This book is worth every penny and I know I’ll be going back year after year (or even more often) to re-read these letters. I felt that this book was similar in some ways to J.R.R. Tolkien’s Letters to Father Christmas (which I also love). Highly, highly recommended!...more
The coziest book I’ve ever read! Not only do I love the epistolary format (letters are my favorite!), I also adore the black and white illustrations wThe coziest book I’ve ever read! Not only do I love the epistolary format (letters are my favorite!), I also adore the black and white illustrations with all my heart! The caring, contemplative and mundane letters that are exchanged between Gladys and Barbara are wonderfully descriptive and utterly interesting. I never knew that I would be so interested about country life in Connecticut or Pennsylvania.
It was difficult to read this book month by month because I just didn’t want to stop when I got to the next month. Reading along with the seasons was amazing, though, and I felt like I wanted to be part of their lovely friendship from the very start.
Highly, highly recommended!! I can’t wait to continue on with more Gladys Taber books. Life affirming in every way. Like a warm and comforting hug from a beloved relative or best friend. Wish I could give this book 10...more
The sweetest book! I'm immediately adding this to my favorite cozy reads list because I loved it so much. I wasn't familiar with the story and I decidThe sweetest book! I'm immediately adding this to my favorite cozy reads list because I loved it so much. I wasn't familiar with the story and I decided not to read too much about it before reading. I'm really glad I did that - I enjoyed it all the more and I was happily surprised at the premise. I loved the uplifting, positive message of the story and how everyone is looked at with understanding and compassion. Everything about this story is cozy: the little girl Betsy, her move to Vermont, her new family and the home itself. I can't decide whether I loved Betsy, her family or the house more! All of it was lovely from start to finish. I wanted to savor every moment while reading. It's one of those books that you hold, hug and stare at with adoration when you finish it. I can't believe I'd never heard of this book until now and I regret all the years it was unknown to me. Love, love, love! I can't rate this book highly enough. ...more
Wonderful and highly entertaining story! I didn't think that Jean Webster's 'Daddy Long Legs' book could be beaten, but I almost think I like this booWonderful and highly entertaining story! I didn't think that Jean Webster's 'Daddy Long Legs' book could be beaten, but I almost think I like this book better. It's the sequel in the series and I could barely put it down. The characters were amazing, especially Sally McBride, and I wish with all of my heart that she was real and my best friend. She's so plucky, fearless, enthusiastic, fun and just smart in all ways. She knows herself, has confidence in her skills and personality, which is a trait that I truly admire. The story tugged at my heart strings and also made me laugh out loud. I'm planning on reading both books back to back starting in the new year. I just love them so much. Comforting and cozy reads (with such a positive, happy vibe) in the highest quality. Highly recommend!...more
Incredibly cozy and heartfelt with the most interesting and intriguing characters that I've ever encountered. I'm so sad that this isn't just one bookIncredibly cozy and heartfelt with the most interesting and intriguing characters that I've ever encountered. I'm so sad that this isn't just one book in a series because I'm going to miss my "friends" so much, especially Elfrida and Oscar.
It was truly disappointing to finish this book (again) because it touched my heart so deeply that I wanted the story to keep going forever.
Highly, highly recommended! I'll definitely be keeping my copy of this book to read year after year during the holiday season - perfect, joyful and peaceful in all the right places!...more
The most beautiful story! This is my second time reading The Dean's Watch and it was just as touching and lovely as it was the first time around. As wThe most beautiful story! This is my second time reading The Dean's Watch and it was just as touching and lovely as it was the first time around. As with all of the Elizabeth Goudge books that I read, I always make sure to bookmark my favorite passages. I could almost bookmark every chapter!
The way that Elizabeth Goudge describes people, small home or nature details, and the atmosphere of a place astounds me. Some authors write too much detail, and others, not quite enough. All of EG's books I have read include the perfect amount of intricate and fitting descriptions. When I read a particular sentence, I feel like I need to close my eyes and spend time absorbing what she's written and letting the feelings wash over me until I'm fully immersed in the experience.
Even though I love the main characters of Isaac, the Dean, and Job (such wonderful lessons they learn!), I have to admit that my favorite characters will always be Polly, Bella, and Miss Montague. I love Polly for her overwhelming aura of joy and happiness (with a heavy dose of patience and empathy), Bella for her directness, loyalty, and her ability to switch from "adhering" to the wiser behavior of "allowing" and, finally, Miss Montague's practicality, steadfast friendship, and openhearted care of those of around her. I always felt like she was the less-detective, more affectionate version of Agatha Christie's Miss Marple.
This book never disappoints and is the perfect book to read around the winter holidays. It's a story that will stay with your forever and fill your heart with joy and hope. It's never too late to be kind to others and ask for forgiveness. One of my favorite books of all time. Highly recommended!...more
A beautiful, lovely story! This is my second time reading Linnets and Valerians and it was even more special this time. I'm always swept away by ElizaA beautiful, lovely story! This is my second time reading Linnets and Valerians and it was even more special this time. I'm always swept away by Elizabeth Goudge's storytelling and gorgeous, lyrical writing. For some reason, her children's books touch my heart even more than her adult books.
As soon as I read the first chapter, I became totally immersed in the setting and interested in every single character. I love how each character in this wonderful story is so distinct and fascinating. Almost every single chapter has sections of cozy descriptive writing or lovely quotes that I mark with book darts. Especially the sections about the homes, clothing and food.
It's really hard for me to express how much this book means to me because it just sparkles with life, joy, family, patience and understanding. The older characters, Uncle Ambrose, Ezra and Lady Alicia are larger than life and are my favorites to read about. I love their wisdom, experience and ability to go beyond the every day into the realm of possibilities and magic.
I adore this book and it will always be a favorite! Highly recommended!!...more
A new book best friend! I am a huge Elizabeth von Arnim fan, but this book is now my favorite. I don't know what it was about it specifically except tA new book best friend! I am a huge Elizabeth von Arnim fan, but this book is now my favorite. I don't know what it was about it specifically except that reading this book felt like home to me. The way EVA writes truly speaks to me. This summer memoir(ish) story was the ultimate in coziness for me with her flower garden descriptions, the way she describes her 'babies', her everyday activities and her encounters with the 'Man of Wrath'.
Even though it seems like a strictly light-hearted book, it's actually very deep. I added so many book darts on the passages that I wanted to remember. Can't wait to read this book again. It's definitely now my favorite EVA, even more than The Enchanted April. Looking forward to reading the last book in this trilogy very soon.
One of the most delightful books I've read in a while! This story is about newlyweds Ian and Felicity and their snug little flat on Greenery Strett (#One of the most delightful books I've read in a while! This story is about newlyweds Ian and Felicity and their snug little flat on Greenery Strett (#23, to be precise). I love the way the narrator not only tells us the story of this adorable and likable couple, but also speaks to the reader in small asides, which are charming and hilarious.
I loved the conversations between all of the characters because they just felt so authentic. Partial sentences, unexplained exclamations, and garbled explanations are all part of real life. It was like having a glimpse into an actual friend's life (with their permission, of course).
This was a very huggable and wonderful book. I know I'll be reading it again - possibly every year! I only wish that this was a beginning of a series so that I could follow this couple forever. They are so sweet and I'm just dying to know more about them. I'm going to miss them now that the book is over.
Highly, highly recommended! The perfect book to read around Valentine's Day....more
Now I remember why I love this book so much! This is my third time reading Heidi and it was even more heartwarming and touching this time around. Oh, Now I remember why I love this book so much! This is my third time reading Heidi and it was even more heartwarming and touching this time around. Oh, how I love everything about this story! I think that my favorite character besides sweet little Heidi is Mrs. Sesemann. Her loving care, practical nature and spiritual guidance help poor Heidi immensely when she is ill. We all need someone like Mrs. Sesemann in our lives. Reading this book makes me want to move to Switzerland and live in a small cottage surrounded by flowers, mountains and frolicking goats. The story of Heidi is timeless and I feel like I learn something new each time I read it. A definite hug-worthy book and one of my top 10 favorites!...more
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