April 23, 2010 - The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen by Syrie James

"Why I feel the sudden urge to relate, in pen and ink, a relationship of the most personal nature, which I have never before acknowledged, I cannot say. Perhaps it is this maddening illness which has been troubling me now and again of late - this cunning reminder of my own mortality - that compels me to make some record of what happened, to prevent that memory from vanishing into the recesses of my mind, and from there to disappear for ever from history, as fleeting as a ghost in the mist." - Syrie James

Syrie James writing is reminiscent of Jane Austen's style, expertly weaving fiction with non-fiction. In fact, it is sometimes difficult to tell what is fact and what has been invented. The premise of the book is a secret love affair, revealed through letters found in an old sea chest, belonging to one of Jane's brothers. Many details of Jane's life are accurate, including information about her writing. The author did extensive research, consulting biographies, scholarly works, letters, movies, the internet and her novels and unfinished works. Her goal was to be true to as much of Jane's history as possible. Thus, Jane Austen's voice comes through clearly in this memoir of her life.

April 22, 2010 - Darcy's Temptation by Regina Jeffers

I so much enjoyed Regina Jeffer's first book, Darcy's Passions that I couldn't resist buying the sequel, Darcy's Temptation. It begins exactly where the first book ends, on New Year's Day, when Darcy finds out that Elizabeth is carrying an heir for Pemberley. It has only been three months since their courtship and marriage and the Darcy's have enjoyed celebrating the holiday season in their new home together with family and friends - Georgiana; Elizabeth's sister Jane and her new husband Mr. Bingley; Kitty Bennett, the youngest of the Bennett sisters; Colonel Fitzwilliam and Anne de Bourgh who are shortly to be engaged; and two gentlemen who have an interest in Georgiana and Kitty, Mr. Harrison and Clayton Ashford, respectively.

Elizabeth and Darcy are enjoying a very romantic relationship, although having a house full of guests is not conducive to privacy. The romantic details in Regina's writing make these sequels much less reserved than the original version, which left more to the imagination. Here, the romance is well-described and everything seems perfect - at least for now. However, as in any life, a little rain must fall. I am sure that the Darcy's, like many married couples, will have their struggles. Hopefully, this will only serve to strengthen the bond between them, a love that has extended two hundred years since their creation by Jane Austen.

April 21, 2010 - Savage Lands by Clare Clark

"His majesty sends twenty girls to be married to the Canadians and to the other inhabitants of Fort Louis, in order to consolidate the colony. All these girls are industrious and have received a pious and virtuous education. You will take care to settle them in life as well as may be in your power, and to marry them to such men as are capable of providing them with a commodious home." - Announcement to the congregation of Fort Louis, Louisiana, March 1704


Imagine beginning a whole new life in a foreign country, sent by your King to become a wife to a settler - a stranger who you've never met before, who you know nothing about. In modern society, such a thing rarely happens, although some cultures still believe in arranged marriages. À la Seinfeld, today's women are more apt to be highly selective. For example, in the episode The Sniffing Accountant, Elaine breaks up with one boyfriend because of punctuation. Jerry replies, "George was right. Didn't take you long." 


Nowadays, women wait longer before marriage - they have careers, they travel, they are independent. Such was not the case in the eighteenth century. Travelling half-way around the world, without family or friends by her side, without a place to call home and unable to return to France, Elizabeth's choices are limited. Unlike her companions, she is fortunate enough to fall in love with the husband who chooses her. But how much does she really know about him? Without any background knowledge and no real courtship, his character and values are an unknown. Will she be able to trust him and depend on him?

April 20, 2010 - The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Brontë by Syrie James

It's such a contrast to read about the treatment of women in 19th century society. "Women are at their best in the occupations God gave them - when sewing or in the kitchen." This statement, pronounced by Mr. Nicholls, causes Charlotte to immediately dislike the new curate. Her opinion of him is further eroded during a dinner party where Mr. Grant (the curate of Oxenhope), Mr. Nicholls and her father demean women until Charlotte can no longer contain herself. "If the great wish - the sole aim - of every woman is to be married, a state which at least gives them some occupation as cherished wives and mothers, and the only state in which they can be regarded with any respect by society - how can you blame them?" As she storms out of the room, she hears Mr. Nicholls proclaim, "The words, gentlemen, of an ugly old maid."

Reading this antiquated perception of women is frustrating, especially while being immersed in Charlotte's world and empathizing with her point of view. All of her sisters received an excellent education, yet the only jobs they could procure were those of governess, a slave to rich families who could afford someone to raise and educate their children. Now, to be told by Mr. Nicholls that the best they can hope for is marriage, is insulting. Even their own father agrees that women should be concerned only with taking care of the household, despite the fact his daughters have not followed any of these societal restrictions.

Charlotte is sensitive to the fact that she is not a beautiful woman, so it hurts her a great deal to be called ugly. It reminds her of a similar comment at boarding school, where the girls were mean to her at first due to her poor background, putting her last on a list of the most beautiful girls at the school. To hear Mr. Nicholls verify this fact deeply disturbs Charlotte and destroys her confidence.

As the story progresses, she may grow to like Mr. Nicholls. The tension between them reminds me of other novels like Pride and Prejudice where the main characters dislike each other greatly, only to discover a great love between them. Can Charlotte forgive Mr. Nicholls for his comments and change his point of view? It will be difficult for her to love him until he shows respect for women in general and Charlotte in particular.

April 19, 2010 - The Darcy Sequels Series

Recently rebitten by the Jane Austen bug after reading Regina Jeffer's novel Darcy's Passions, I discovered a veritable wealth of literature based on the novel Pride and Prejudice. How to sort through the good, the bad and the ugly? I began by reading the synopses and reviews of the sequels on Amazon, using the "look inside" feature when available. I then looked at the author's websites for those versions that sounded interesting.

What I discovered is that many of these sequels were not enjoyed by readers, mostly because the authors did not stay true to the personality and values of the characters. Some were criticized by readers for having very little plot. Others followed the romance novel format too closely. Readers wanted to read more about Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy rather than the minor characters or the next generation of Darcys. Versions that were too far removed from the core values and style of the original did not fare well. Just as readers do not enjoy movies that stray too far from the book versions they are based on, so it is with Pride and Prejudice or Jane Austen fanatics.

Some of the most highly recommended novels were:
The Darcys and the Bingleys: Pride and Prejudice continues by Marsha Altman
The Confession of Fitzwilliam Darcy by Mary Street
Mr. and Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy: Two Shall Become One by Sharon Lathan (She has also written other sequels such as Loving Mr. Darcy.)
Pemberley Manor: Darcy and Elizabeth, For Better of for Worse by Kathryn Nelson

Next stop - the library, so I can make my own judgement on the quality of these sequels.

April 18, 2010 - Darcy's Passions by Regina Jeffers

Romeo and Juliet, Rhett Butler and Scarlett O'Hara , Jane Eyre and Mr. Rochester, Cathy and Heathcliff, and Elizabeth Bennett and Fitzwilliam Darcy - some of the most romantic couples in literary history. The story of Pride and Prejudice has long been a classic as are many of Jane Austen's books. Therefore, it is no surprise to see the many spin-offs now being written - Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, The Jane Austen Book Club, The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen, Mr. Darcy's Diary, and What Would Jane Austen Do. The world can't get enough of Jane Austen!

What makes this particular version of the story so appealing? Hearing Mr. Darcy's point of view certainly changes the focus of the story. We learn more about his relationship with Mr. Bingley and his beloved sister Georgiana. In fact, Georgiana and Elizabeth become great friends, as close as any sisters could be. Elizabeth helps Georgiana come to terms with her ill-conceived affair with Mr. Wickham and discover real love with someone else. As a true romantic, I also enjoyed the details added to the courtship and marriage of Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy. Too many stories end when the main characters get married. Here, at least one hundred pages are devoted to the time after their marriage as they discover each other as husband and wife and begin their life at Darcy's estate of Pemberley.

After finishing the book, I was inspired to reread Pride and Prejudice and compare the two versions, seeing how Darcy's view of events fits into the original version. I also watched both movie versions once more - the one with Colin Firth and the new version with Keira Knightly. As in the book, both movies end once the couple is married, leaving the viewer to imagine their happy life in the future. This book fills that void, providing a more complete and satisfying conclusion to this classic romance.

April 17, 2010 - Raise the Salad Bar, Real Simple Magazine, May 2010

We all know that eating our greens is good for our health but salad is not necessarily an exotic treat. The recipes included here help raise the bar for nutrition, taste and appeal. The combination of different types of leafy vegetables with nuts, herbs and colourful vegetables appeals to all our senses. A watercress salad with feta uses beets to add some zest. Adding tomatoes and bacon to a romaine salad brings flavour and colour to this dish. Mesclun salad with chickpeas includes carrots and dried cherries for colour. Arugula salad with green beans and radishes is another tasty variation.

The final recipe is for three different homemade salad dressings - lemon and shallit vinaigrette, balsamic-Dijon vinaigrette and creamy Parmesan dressing. Made in advance, the dressings will keep for 5 days if refrigerated. Also included are three important tips for a picture-perfect salad. Cleaning and drying greens well, dressing the salad just prior to serving and adding delicate ingredients last are common sense rules that seem obvious but are disregarded when we are in a rush. Taking the extra time to prepare properly will yield tastier and crisper results.

So next time you're wondering what to have for lunch, don't consider salad boring - try one of these fantastic recipes. Good health and flavour will be your rewards.

April 16, 2010 - Darcy's Passions by Regina Jeffers

After all these years the wait is over. This version of the Pride and Prejudice story is captivating. I am thoroughly enjoying the immersion into Darcy's thoughts and feelings. Each situation and conversation from the original is reinterpreted through the perspective of the male protagonist. As cold and distant as he seemed in the original, here we can finally see the struggle between his heart and his mind. Darcy recognizes that Elizabeth is not the best match for someone of his station, but he cannot deny the strength of his attraction. He tries to avoid situations that place him near Elizabeth but he continues to be drawn to her. This emotional tug-of-war keeps both the character of Darcy and the reader in constant suspense. Despite knowing the outcome of the story, the intensity of emotional conflict still exists between the characters. I can't wait for Darcy and Elizabeth to work out their misunderstandings and fall in love all over again.

April 15, 2010 - The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Brontë by Syrie James

"Everyone keeps secrets. Charlotte Brontë was no exception. What intimate secrets did she harbor within her breast? What were her innermost thoughts and feelings? And perhaps most importantly: did Charlotte ever find a true love of her own?" These are the questions the author has set out to explore in her interpretation of Charlotte Brontë's life. Most of the story is based on historical research and facts with some dramatic license taken in areas where there were gaps or where the plot benefitted from conflict. Written in chapter form rather than the traditional diary entries with dates, the novel is nevertheless narrated by Charlotte in the first person point of view.

Due to a wealth of correspondence left behind after Charlotte's death, much information is available about her life as well as her thoughts and feelings and information about her relationships with friends and family. The author has chosen what she calls a "missing link" as the focus of her story - Charlotte's long relationship with Arthur Bell Nicholls, a family friend and neighbour who eventually proposed to her but was not accepted by her parents. Just as in Darcy's Passions by Regina Jeffers, this book offers a unique perspective of a beloved novelist who wrote one of the most romantic books of all time.

April 14, 2010 - Darcy's Passions by Regina Jeffers

Lovers of Pride and Prejudice will definitely want to read this new book. Written by a teacher with extensive knowledge of Jane Austen's works and the time period, it presents Fitzwilliam Darcy's point of view of the classic story. The author read the original many times in order to ensure that events occur in the same chronological order. She also based her concept of Mr. Darcy on the movie versions of the character, in particular Colin Firth's portrayal. Since little is mentioned of Darcy's thoughts and motivations for his actions, she was able to expand on her interpretation of his character.

Each chapter begins with a quote, mostly lines from Pride and Prejudice although a few are from Shakespeare or other sources. These quotes introduce the main idea or theme of each chapter. The novel is written in a fairly formal style, although less so than the original work which perhaps makes it more accessible to all types of readers. I do miss the eloquence of Jane Austen's writing though.

So far, what has struck me is the way the author has used the surreptitious glances and nuances of the movie characters to expand on Darcy's feelings. I can picture moments in the relationship of Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy where little was said but much was implied. These are the instances that the author has chosen to expand on. All the characters remain the same with a few very minor additions. Back are the Bingleys, Georgiana and the Bennett family members. The situations and events are exactly the same but are now explained from Mr. Darcy's perspective which sometimes changes the focus of their relationships. We are able to find out more about his relationship with his sister and his best friend Charles Bingley as well as his feelings about the Bennett family and the snobbish Bingley sisters.

Who could have imagined the return of one of the most beloved pieces of literature as described by the dashing male romantic figure of Fitzwilliam Darcy? Jane Austen fans everywhere will clamor to read this novel and to become once again enthralled by one of the most romantic love stories every told.

April 13, 2010 - The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin

November's focus is attitude and includes goals to help with "keeping a contented heart" such as laughing out loud, using good manners, giving positive reviews and finding an area of refuge.

The adage "laughter is the best medicine" came to mind as I read about Gretchen's mission to find humour in situations and to bring more laughter into her life. Research shows that laughter can "boost immunity and lower blood pressure and cortisol levels. It increases people's tolerance to pain. It's a source of social bonding, and it helps to reduce conflicts and cushion social stress within relationships - at work, in marriage, among strangers." What an incredible benefit from such a simple activity.

No wonder comedies are so popular on TV. The amazing success of shows, past and present, proves that people enjoy a good laugh. Think about Three's Company, Seinfeld, Friends, Saturday Night Live, I Love Lucy, Frasier, Two and a Half Men, and so many other great shows. Comedians from the early days of Charlie Chaplin and Laurel and Hardy to present-day celebrities like Jerry Seinfeld and Ellen DeGeneres have exaggerated the human condition and emphasized the idiosyncrasies of everyday life to help us laugh at ourselves and find humour in common situations.

These often short, half-hour shows provide us with great stress-relief without taking up too much of our valuable time. And, they ensure a fun, family-bonding experience for all. What better way to spend your time and improve your attitude?

April 12, 2010 - The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin

"Stimulate the mind in new ways." This was another of Gretchen's awareness goals for the month of October and one she took truly to heart. I was impressed with the number of activities she experimented with in her pursuit of happiness. Living in New York city provided the opportunity to try any number of classes - there were no limits to what was available. From hypnosis to laughter yoga and special drawing classes, it sounds like the mind wasn't the only thing being cultivated. I hadn't even heard of laughter yoga before reading this book. "Laughter yoga combines clapping, chanting, breathing, and stretching exercises drawn from yoga to calm the mind and the body, and the simulated laughter provoked by the exercises often turns into real laughter." Trying something completely new and different stimulates the brain to use previously untapped areas. Novel experiences can encourage happiness but not all activities were successful for Gretchen. Some were more frustrating than calming or inspiring.

I agree that we do need changes in our situation every so often to challenge ourselves rather than accepting the status quo.  A new challenge provides us with growth opportunities while staying in the same job for too long only makes one stagnant and inflexible. So go ahead - add some excitement to your life by trying something new, something you've never done before but have always wanted to try. Perhaps something daring or indulgent for a change. Shaking things up could well be worth it!

April 11, 2010 - The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin

If you really want to get your brain working and your mind concentrating, Zen koans may be the answer. Considering a concept such as "What is the sound of one hand clapping?" is a way to abandon reason and think outside conventional wisdom in order to challenge the mind." Koans are sentences or short stories that initially seem paradoxical in nature." Although they may seem like difficult problems to solve, once a mind discovers the simplicity of thought necessary, the paradox ceases to exist. You may mull over a koan for days, weeks or months without result and then a sudden flash of insight will lead you to an answer or a discovery. Many examples of koans exist on the web if you are interested in challenging your mind with a few. Try the following website for more information: http://www.newcastletaichi.co.uk/Koan.htm

"When you can do nothing, what can you do?"

April 10, 2010 - The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin

The Zen Buddhist concept of mindfulness, or "conscious, non-judgmental awareness", is the focus for October's happiness plan. Paying attention to the details of our actions and living in the moment, appreciating each activity, no matter how simple, can inspire us to find happiness. The benefits of mindfulness are many. Awareness brings clarity to the experiences of everyday life and helps to calm our mind while elevating brain function. When we are not busy multi-tasking, we are happier, less stressed and more apt to be engaged with others. How many times have you done a task on "automatic pilot" and then worried about the outcome? Did you close the garage door? Did you unplug the flat iron before leaving for work? Did you lock the door? Where did you put those keys?

When we are constantly rushing and trying to do more than one thing at once, we are not practising awareness. Did you notice the spring tulips popping up from the ground or the buds on the trees, ready to burst forth in foliage last time you went outside? Were you paying full attention to what your children or husband were telling you about their day? We are all guilty of overlooking the beauty of life as we rush around to complete our self-imposed to-do lists.

Meditation is one technique to learn how to become more aware. This may involve breathing exercises, music, yoga or other strategies. Whatever the method, there is definitely merit in slowing down the pace of our lives and taking time to enjoy the simple pleasures we all take for granted, one thing at a time.

April 9, 2010 - The Knife Sharpener's Bell by Rhea Tregebov

The Knife Sharpener's Bell gets its title from the sound the narrator, Annette, hears inside her head as a young child whenever she is afraid. She imagines the sound of the tarnished bell rung by the old man on the street, his sharpening wheel beside him. When she tells Mr. Spratt, her upstairs neighbour, he tells her that "sometimes, we're more afraid of what's inside us than what's outside us. Or maybe, we're afraid that what's inside us isn't strong enough to fight what's outside us."


This feeling would not be surprising given the circumstances. Annette is living through one of the most difficult times in history, the Great Depression. Her father, recently returned from Russia, is trying to move the entire family back to their home country. This would be unsettling for anyone, let alone a young child. She cannot control the situation or make any decisions, she is just pulled along with her parents' desires.

Annette describes the sound of the bell as a "dah-dong, full-bellied, swaying. The opening note light, and then the second note a gap in the heart, a falling. No way out." The sound paralyses her to the point where she is unable to do anything, her heart pounding in her ears. These symptoms are the cause of great anxiety for Annette. Until she confronts her fears and figures out why she is reacting this way, she will not be able to eliminate these panic attacks.

April 8, 2010 - Divine Music by Suruchi Mohan

"If music be the food of love, play on. Give me excess of it, that surfeiting the appetite may sicken and so die." - Twelfth Night, William Shakespeare

The theme of love in all of its manifestations is at the core of this novel. Set against the political and cultural backdrop of India, during the time just before Indira Ghandi's State of Emergency in 1975, it is a historically accurate depiction of Indian life at the time. The role of women in society, the hierarchy of social classes, arranged marriages, the importance of family, political scandals and illicit love affairs are some of the issues explored.

Music played a big part in the book and I could relate quite easily to this since I myself studied music in university. Sarika's love for Kirana, spurred by her admiration of her guru or teacher, is not uncommon. I remember many students who had crushes on teachers they admired or amazing performers. Musical expression endears itself to our souls and can be confused with stronger emotions. Sarika and Kirana's love has built over the years as they have developed their musical relationship. They admire each other's talent as they express themselves through music. When, eventually, they give in to their feelings disastrous results occur for all involved.

April 7, 2010 - Strings Magazine, May issue

String music is alive and well in the United States judging by the need for 3,000 string teachers projected by a recent study. Which is more than I can say for programs here in Canada. I was surprised to find this article in my newest edition of Strings magazine. Judging by what is going on in education in my community, music is not a focus - raising test scores is. Despite all the research about the benefits of music education, boards continue to cut music programs, especially strings. Five elementary schools remain in my school board where strings is taught as a class.

If only those in positions of authority realized the importance of music in the education of our children and the need for qualified music teachers to deliver programs. According to the article, the need for more teachers has caused schools to staff with teachers who have no previous strings experience. Music is an entirely different language, needing a special set of skills to be taught successfully. It is not a subject that any teacher can handle or is even comfortable with.

Unless we educate our children musically, much of our culture will be lost. Many elementary school children no longer know songs of their culture let alone Christmas carols or basic rhymes and rounds. Exposure to classical music would raise awareness and appreciation for the history of music in society. Without this type of music, we would not enjoy film scores that enhance our movie experience, jazz, rock, pop or other genres spawned by the development of music.

The Canadian education system needs to realize the need for music education in our schools before it is too late. Before our culture and our orchestras disappear due to ignorance and lack of awareness. "Music soothes the savage breast." It is good for our soul. It builds important skills in children such as discipline, focus, concentration, co-ordination and listening skills to name a few. Call a school board official today and inquire about music programs in your area. You may be surprised by what you discover.

April 6, 2010 - Homemaker's magazine, May issue

I always look forward to receiving Homemaker's magazine in the mail each month. It is usually full of good health advice like the comprehensive article in this issue on migraines. Articles on a range of personal or global issues are often included - this month, a guide to affording university for your children. Above all, the mouth-watering recipes help me find new ideas and menus for those nights when no one can decide what to have for dinner.

This particular issue contains a number of great recipes. Spinach, an often despised leafy vegetable, known for giving Popeye his strength, is featured this month. Touted as a superfood due to its iron content, it also has many other benefits. It contains a mix of phytochemicals thought to aid in the defense of certain cancers. It also has one of the highest ratings for antioxidants, protecting against heart disease and is a top source of the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin which may reduce cataracts and macular degeneration. In short, it's good for our cells, our heart and our eyes. Spinach and Cheddar Dinner Rolls, Spinach Pizza and Chinese Spinach Pies are a few of the spinach-infused dishes.

Who can ever have enough recipes for chicken, one of the most versatile meat choices on the market? In the section World Class Chicken some unusual spice combinations from different countries produce delicious offerings such as Spanish Chicken with Roasted Potatoes, Roast Chicken with Thai Flavours, West Indian Citrus Chicken and Filipino Coconut Chicken Adobo.

Finally, don't forget to indulge your sweet-tooth with the Sweet + Easy recipes like Blueberry Crumb Cake, Swiss-Style Lemon Cheesecake, and Thin Apple Tart. Loads of pictures help whet the appetite, which is not difficult to achieve when it comes to dessert.

April 5, 2010 - The One Thing You Need to Know by Marcus Buckingham

Another book to add to my professional reading, this one was recommended at a recent conference that I attended. Marcus Buckingham, author of First, Break All the Rules and Now, Discover Your Strengths, is a well-known "Cambridge-educated" expert on business leadership and management. The book focusses on three areas that are a key to success in any professional environment - great managing, great leading and career success. Using authentic examples supported by research and data as well as interviews of people from all walks of life, Buckingham gives advice that is both common-sense and profound. Will the keys to success discussed here be similar to Malcolm Gladwell's theories in The Outliers? Just what is this "one thing" that I need to know and how will it help me find success in my life or in my career? From reading the chapter contents, a lot of questions are posed which I hope will be answered as the book progresses.

April 4, 2010 - The Knife Sharpener's Bell by Rhea Tregebov

Historical fiction is my favourite genre because I love to learn while reading. For me, history comes alive when a good plot and interesting characters are added to the story. This particular novel concerns the Great Depression in 1930's Winnipeg, Stalinist Russia and World War II.

The prologue is narrated by a 9 year old girl in the year 1935. Her father is boarding a train in Winnipeg, Canada to an unknown destination. Thirty friends are there to see him off, including his neighbours and his family. He's packed two small suitcases. His daughter is not happy that he is going. She tries to hide on the train to go with him. This opening seems like a flashback, hooking the reader into the story by revealing only some of the facts. Where the father is going and why he is leaving without his family are questions to be answered by further reading.

The next chapter jumps to the present time. The girl is now a grandmother, looking back at her memories and retelling the story of her life. She talks about her parents and her childhood. She mentions a mysterious document, Article 58-1a that accuses her of a deed she doesn't want to remember. She talks about how time has changed things for everyone. "Time is slippery. If we let go that thread of the present, we're released into what gave us this moment, the darkness in it or the light." Mysterious phrases such as this not only foreshadow the choices that had to be made in the past but also keep the reader engaged in the story to follow. I am curious to find out what happened to this girl and her family and how they fit into the historical context presented.

April 3, 2010 - The Sword of Avalon by Diana L. Paxson

The latest in a series of Avalon books, based on the best-selling Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley, this particular novel tells the story of the forging of the famous blade, Excalibur.

Spanning the history of two nations, ancient Greece and England, at the end of the Bronze Age, historical facts and characters mingle with fantasy and myth to retell an ancient story. Within this context, Paxson's detailed descriptive writing allows the reader to visualize the landscape and situations that the characters are placed in. Despite the fact that this is a work of fiction, information is carefully researched to be as authentic as possible. The introduction displays maps and lists of characters encountered throughout the story.

The powerful female characters of Avalon once again take centre stage, playing a significant role in the events that unfold. Mikantor's struggles to live up to his legacy as the "Son of a Hundred Kings" and his growing love for Tirilan keep the reader fully engaged in the final outcome.

April 2, 2010 - The Twelve by William Gladstone

Most books or movies predicting the end of time result in world destruction. Refreshingly, this book suggests otherwise. The main character, Max, unknowingly begins a life journey which will bring him into contact with twelve people. These people will ultimately affect the future of the planet through their connection with Max. Visiting ancient and sacred sites throughout the world, Max encounters those who help him come to the realization that a monumental event will occur on December 12, 2012, the end of the ancient Mayan calendar.

As Max travels around the world, the reader is transported to the mystic sites mentioned in his journey. Indeed, reading this book was  a great reminder of all the wonders of our planet, both man-made and natural. As he comes into contact with people of various faiths and religions, the diversity of our world is also brought to light. As Max experiences changes in his life, the seemingly coincidental occurrences left me wondering about the significance of fate or destiny in our lives. Do people come into our lives for a reason? Do things happen for a higher purpose? Although, these questions are not completely answered, nor is there a great revelation at the end of the book, The Twelve is still a thought-provoking and suspenseful novel.

April 1, 2010 - The Friday Night Knitting Club series by Kate Jacobs

Reminiscent of "chick-flicks" such as The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants and Steel Magnolias, the Friday Night Knitting Club series is definitely a story that would make a great movie. With unique and endearing characters, struggling with different facets of their lives and wonderful settings such as the hustle and bustle of New York city juxtaposed against the quiet countryside of Scotland and rural Pennsylvania, all the elements are in place for a successful transition to the "big screen". Who would be cast as Georgia, Dakota, Catherine, Anita, Peri and the other friends? After reading all three books, I feel very close to the characters and have a certain image in mind based on their descriptions, actions and personality in the books. I envision a star-studded ensemble of veteran as well as young actresses to bring the story to fruition. The different ages of the characters would bring together a unique combination of talent. Hopefully, those in charge of casting would get to know these characters through Kate Jacob's writing before making any decisions.

As I am writing this, I can't imagine this idea hasn't occurred to someone in Hollywood so I just did a "google search" and voilà - a movie produced by and starring Julia Roberts is in the works. Apparently, she is a big fan of the books. I can't wait to discover who else will be cast and how the story will come alive visually. I hope I won't be disappointed.

Mar. 31, 2010 - Knit the Season by Kate Jacobs

"They must often change, who would be constant in happiness or wisdom." - Confucius


In this third book of the series, big changes are percolating for the members of the Friday Night Knitting Club as life continues to bring surprises and decisions to be made in order for everyone to grow and be happy. Will Anita finally marry her fiancé of seven years, Marty, despite the protests of her middle-aged son, Nathan? What will happen between Catherine and her Italian boyfriend, Marco as they continue their long-distance relationship? How will Dakota deal with these changes as she tries to finish school and keep up with the management of the knitting shop, Walker and Daughter? Will her partner Peri accept the job offer in Paris to work for a big designer and how will Dakota run the store without her?


Amidst all of these changes, memories of Georgia, seen through the eyes of her friends and family, help Dakota to learn about her mother in a different way and thus, come to terms with the decisions she needs to make in her own life. Flashback scenes offer a unique perspective of Georgia's relationships with others - her brother, Donny; her parents; and Dakota's father, James. A trip to Scotland to visit Georgia's grandmother reveals even more changes and reminiscences of days gone by.


Dakota comes to realize the importance of family and friends in her life's journey. Although she is afraid of what the future will bring, she knows that no matter where everyone travels, they will continue to be a part of each other's lives.