Bookreview: Two Old Fools in Spain Again

An amazing book!

Summary

When Victoria and Joe return to their Spanish mountain village, they are still
reeling from their year in the Middle East. Sighing with relief, they prepare
to settle down to a peaceful life with the familiar characters of the village.

But life refuses to stand still, even in tiny El Hoyo. Lola Ufarte’s behaviour
surprises nobody, but when a millionaire becomes a neighbour, the
village turns into a battleground.

Can Victoria and Joe help restore peace to the village?

My Review

Books about Spain always interest me very much, especially memoirs. 

This book certainly did not let me down! I enjoyed reading about Vicky
and Joe and about the events they have experienced in Spain. With 
some of them I was shocked others made me laugh.

I also enjoyed the recipes, Victoria Twead add to each chapter. The food
brought back nice memories to Spain. 

I really liked this amazing read and I want to recommend this book to 
all who loved to read fantastic travel memoirs.

Without no doubt, I want to give a 5 star rating to "Two Old Fools in Spain
Again".

The author

Victoria Twead is a New York Times bestselling author. In 2004 she
nagged poor, long-suffering Joe into leaving Britain and relocating to a
tiny, remote mountain village in Andalucía, where they became reluctant
chicken farmers and owned the most dangerous cockerel in Spain.

Village life inspired Victoria’s first book, Chickens, Mules and Two Old Fools,
which was quickly followed by more in the Old Fools series, all of which fast
became Amazon bestsellers.

We Love Memoirs Group

I received a free copy via the We Love Memoirs Group, the most friendliest 
group on Facebook. Thank you so much for this amazing reading chance! 

Bookreview: Bombs and Bougainvillea

 An expat in Jerusalem

An interesting memoir

Summary

If Linda and her family had foreseen the challenges of relocating to Israel and Palestine,
they might have hesitated… They have no idea of the horrors in store. No idea that
murders will take place on their doorstep. No idea they’ll be so close to a fatal bombing,
or that they’ll adopt a dangerous dog. As they enjoy delicious local food and immerse
themselves in different cultures, will the unspoilt countryside and friendships help
them overcome the difficulties, or will they flee from an area which at times seems to
have one wall, but two prisons?

My Review

For me it really was an interesting memoir, beautifully written and it took my 
attention from the beginning till the end. I also enjoyed the sense of humour of
the author and I absolutely loved the stories from her daily life.

So, if you want to read a fantastic and very interesting memoir, don't doubt and
chose Bombs and Bougainvillea: An expat in Jerusalem.

Without hesitation, I give this book a 5* rating! 

The author

Linda Decker is a wonderful author who likes traveling. Bombs and Bougainvillea
was her first memoir published in 2020. 

More about Linda Decker @ https://linda-decker.com/about-me

We Love Memoirs

I received a free copy from the We Love Memoirs group, which is really the most
friendliest group on Facebook! They're also on Twitter and Instagram. It's worth to
follow them!! 

Bookreview: Plunge

More than just a travel memoir! 

Summary

Tropical waters turn tumultuous in this travel memoir, as a free-spirited woman
jumps headfirst into a sailing adventure with a new man and his two dogs.

Join Liesbet as she faces a decision that sends her into a whirlwind of love, loss
and living in the moment. When she swaps life as she knows it for an uncertain 
future on a sailboat, she succumbs to seasickness and growing desire to be alone.

Does Liesbet find happiness? Will the dogs outlast the man? Or is this just
another reality check on a dream to live at sea. 

My Review

Plunge is so much more than just a travel memoir. It describes the whole process
from the wish to travel - the plan - the practical things and the necessary decisions 
to be made.

I admire Liesbet very much because she always makes the choice to follow her
freedom.

I recommend this book to all who like to read travel memoirs and personal
stories. 

With lots of pleasure I give Plunge a 5 star rating. 

The Author

Liesbet Collaert is a bilingual freelance writer, translator, editor and 
photographer from Belgium who has been writing and traveling her entire life.

Her work is published internationally in anthologies and magazines, including
Cruising World, Blue Water Sailing, Ocean Navigator, Eldrige Tide and many

more. 

Find her stories and photos at www.itsirie.com and www.roamingabout.com

(It's really worth to take a look at her blogs!).

Plunge is her first book. I hope other books will follow! 

We Love Memoirs group on Facebook

I received a free copy via the We Love Memoirs group on Facebook. 

Bookreviews: Life beyond the castanets

My love affair With Spain 

A memoir as a memoir should be! 

Summary

With their life in Spain established, Jean and Adrian look forward to an idyllic
retirement. But when Mother Nature throws up formidable fires, floods and flu,
their dreams, along with much of their house are shattered. 

Life Beyond the Castanets is the second instalment of Jean Roberts's lighthearted
and uplifting tale in her Moving to Spain series. 

My review

Spain and Portugal are absolutely without any doubt my favourite countries, so 
a memoir about Spain always is a special treat for me.

As soon as I started reading this book, I wanted to continue. I was curious to read
all the author's adventures while living abroad. 

I really enjoyed the book, as the author tells a very personally story. She also made
excellent descriptions of events, places and people. 

I certainly would recommend "Life beyond the castanets" to everyone who is
interested in traveling or moving to Spain. 

With lots of pleasure I want to give a 5 star rating to "Life beyond the castanets". 

The Author

Jean Roberts is a reitred social worker and a cautiously negative optimist. She is 
married with two grown-up children and a small tribe of grandchildren. She spends
her time between her home in Essex and her happy place in Spain.

We love memoirs

I received "Life beyond the castanets" as a free copy from the We love memoirs
group, the most friendliest group on Facebook. 

Bookreview: Nadeem's Journey

Heart wrenching story of a loving mother loosing
her son on cancer

What a beautiful, sad and strong story! 

Summary

Nadeem's Journey by Sherine Anniruth is the soulful and bittersweet story of a
mother who loses her son. Nadeem was just 25 years old when he died from
cancer, but his mother's determination for his memory to live forever is
beautiful and raw. 

This story captures Nadeem's spirit. This book will captivate you and wrench
your heart. 

My Review

What a beautiful sad and strong story! It was written very clear, and
of course emotional. I had to cry and I admire the strength of Nadeem, his
mother and his family. 

I would recommend this book to all the people who like to read wonderful,
strong memoirs. What is more powerful than a mother talking about her 
son? 

Of course, I give a 5 star rating for this splendid book! 

The author

Sherine is living in Perth, Western Australia and emigrated from South Africa. 
She's a dedicated mum of 3 and works as a registered nurse. 

Booktasters

I received a free copy via Booktasters and the author. Thank you very much for
this excellent reading chance! 

Bookreview: From Gaudi's City to Granada's Red Place

 "What an amazing travel memoir"

Summary

Undeterred by a serious health scare, the incorrigible Elizabeth, her sister and a close
friend have already ventured to Europe. When their trip ended in Barcelona, the 
sisters vowed to return and resume their adventures, inviting a mutual friend to 
complete the trio. Now their travel wish-list includes some of Spain's major cities
and a little slice of Portugal. Once again you are invited on their journey and raise
a glass or two as they sample the tastes, sights and sounds that the Iberian 
Peninsula offers.

My Review

Reading a book from EJ Bauer always is a fantastic way to spend some time and
dream away about sunny holiday destinations. Again it gave me new travel inspiration
which I'm going to explore in the next years. 

The book is a fantastic mix of storytelling and dialogues. I really enjoyed the
adventures she and two companions had on such amazing places. I also liked her 
writing style very much. It's clear, easy reading and relaxing. 

I would recommend without no doubt From Gaudi's city to Granada's Red Place to
anyone who likes to travel to Spain. 

I would like to give this fantastic travel memoir a 5*rating! Hopefully EJ Bauer will
write more travel memoirs!

The author

EJ Bauer, Elizabeth was born in Queensland, Australia and she lived her first 12

years in the country. Her family moved to Brisbane and she graduated from university
with a degree in speech pathology. She accepted a position at a large regional
hospital in New South Wales and she is still living in the area over 40 years later.

She is married, has two children and five grandchildren. She has a cat named Lucy. 

EJ Bauer was diagnosed with cancer. After her treatment, she started to travel to 
Europe and North America. 

We Love Memoirs

I received a free copy of this amazing memoir from the We love Memoirs Group,
the friendliest group of Facebook!

Bookreview: Married to Merlot

 A memoir with a message of hope 

"What an amazing honest memoir"

Summary

Married to Merlot is an inspirational read for anyone who is facing adversity. 
Through her unflinching narrative, Martha Louise pens a poignant and candid
chronicle of her personal journey impacted by her Vietnam veteran spouse's 
post-war stress, depression and alcoholism. 

Martha relies on her psychological background and education to weave
self-help concepts and messages of hope into her storytelling. The compelling
combination of the family's perseverance and the author's fortitude will 
encourage others in similar circumstances to find the strength to choose their
own unique path to recovery and to a happier life.

 

My Review

When reading the book: Married to Merlot, I immediately was impressed by
the honest writing of the author. I think it's very difficult to write down what
she had experienced.

I was directly into the memoir and I read it in one time, so I really wanted to
know what came next, the good and the bad. 

I don't like flashbacks in a story, but here it was appropriate. The book cover
also was good and to the point. 

That's why I want to give a 5* rating to this amazing memoir! I would 
recommend this book to all who wants to know more about ptsd and
the effects of alcoholism. I think most people will think twice before they
drink another glass of wine or beer.

I would love to read more books of this wonderful author! 

The Author

Martha Louise had always been a writer but she did not envision her first
published book as a memoir about her life and the events that occurred while
married to her Vietnam veteran husband. Her career had led her into several
roles over the years: exceptional student education teacher, social worker,
mental health therapist and school psychologists. She had multiple stories
to tell; she had not planned to tell the story of her husband's post-war stress,
depression and alcoholisme. But she knew it was the story she had to tell. 

Release date

The Release date for Married to Merlot was 19 January 2019. It is available
on bol and on Amazon. 

We love memoirs 

I received a free copy in the most friendliest group on Facebook, Twitter and
Instagram: We love memoirs.

Bookreview: Trekker Girl - Morocco Bound

"What a very nice memoir!"

Summary

Blood clot survivor, Dawne Archer (aka Trekker Girl) tells her story of 
family trauma, friendship rekindled and what seemed like 'a good idea 
at the time'. Was trekking the Sahara Desert a step too far in her efforts
to fundraise for Thrombosis UK?

"I suffer from Survivor Gilt, why did my Dad die from his blood clot
while I lived through mine? At the age of 26 I experienced two clots;
one in my leg and another in my lung.  People tell me "You're lucky
to be alive!" And they are right.

Having made it to my 50s, I now live a fuller and more active life than
ever before, although most people would say that trekking in the
Sahara Desert to raise money for charity was perhaps a step too far.

After being contacted by a friend I last saw 35 years before, I rashely
signed up for this trek which pushed me way beyond my normal limits
of endurance.

Join me on my journey through the trials and tribulation of this 
adventure. Laugh and cry with me. This is my story."

With blood clots, knowing what to look for might save your live or that
of someone close to you. Trombosis UK works hard to educate both the 
public and the health professionals to 'Spot the Clot'.

All profits from sales of this book will be donated to Thrombosis UK. 

My Review

First of all: I must admit - I'm a fan of deserts too, so the book cover really
attracted me. The walking part is something else. 

I liked the way the author talked about her life, her illness

and her amazing travel plan. She's very positive! 

She wrote honestly and the book read easily as I wanted to continue
reading. 

She described her travels detailled. It was chronological and
good structured. And I also did like the photographs and the comments
as well!

I'm really certain now. When we can travel again: Morocco is on
the wish list!

I would recommend Trekker Girl - Morocco Bound  to anyone who
loves fair travel memoirs. I like to give with lots of pleasure and support a
5* rating. 

The Author

I was pleasantly surprised that the author organises a fundraising for
Thrombosis UK. Fundraising on this link.

I would love to read more about your other adventures.  

We love memoirs

I received a free copy via the We love memoirs group, the friendliest group
on Facebook. 

Author in the picture: Alyson Sheldrake

A few weeks ago I read and reviewed Living the Quieter Algarve Dream.
This is the second book of Alyson Sheldrake. I immediately loved her book
and the small paintings before each chapter as well. I also share her love
for Portugal, although we haven't visited the same places. 

That's why I wanted to put her in the picture with this blogpost. I asked
Alyson if she would like to participate in a Question and Answer interview
and luckily she said yes. 

So here is the Author in the picture interview of Alyson Sheldrake. 

The interview

Did you always want to write a memoir?

 

My husband, Dave, and I initially bought a house in the Algarve in 2006,
and it took us a further five years of working in the UK before we made
the permanent move out here to live. I started writing a blog when we
first moved here, initially just to keep friends informed of what we were
doing. It soon grew into an award-winning blog with over 100,000 views
 a year. I thoroughly enjoyed researching and writing our articles,
all liberally sprinkled with Dave’s photography.

Many of our personal stories didn’t seem to fit the blog format,
so I put them all to one side, and then eventually realised that
I had a lot of material sat on my computer. People kept saying
to me, “you should write a book”, so I sat down one day and
started writing. It wasn’t long before I had written almost 80,000 words,
and ‘Living the Dream – in the Algarve, Portugal’ was born.
I didn’t even know there was such a thing as a genre called ‘memoir’
when I first starting writing.

Do you prefer other genres too?

 

I am an avid reader and have been since I was a very young child.
 I love fiction, fantasy, and travel books as well as memoirs.
I love books that transport me to another place or time,
or even a different world. I am a fast reader too,
I can easily finish a novel in two or three sittings.

What was your goal by writing the Portugal memoirs?

My first book was very much an adventure into the unknown.
Self-publishing was a whole new world to explore, and I relished it all.
Pressing the ‘upload’ button on Amazon and seeing my book go live
was an exhilarating – and slightly scary – moment. At the end of the
first book, I mentioned we were moving to a new house in a
different part of the Algarve, and that maybe there would
be a sequel. I had so many messages and emails from people
asking me when the sequel would be released that I had to sit
down and write it! ‘Living the Quieter Algarve Dream’ was
published in November last year.

Are you fully integrated in the Algarve region or are there still surprises?

There are always surprises, and even though we have travelled
and explored widely across the Algarve, there are still some tucked
away locations we haven’t visited yet. Dave is a professional photographer
and I am also an artist, so we are always scoping new beaches and villages
that we can explore for inspiration. And then, of course, we have whole
areas of the Alentejo, Lisbon and northern Portugal that we
haven’t even stepped foot into yet!

I do love Portugal, its food, its culture and its port wine.
What do you recommend to visit first in the Algarve?

When we first visited here on holiday, we discovered the fishing
village of Ferragudo, and we were smitten. We rented a little cottage
off the main street, and I can still distinctly remember the first time
we arrived in our hire car and saw the village reflected in the
glistening water of the Arade river. Painted boats were tied up,
bobbing with the tide, the houses seemed to tumble down
to the riverfront, with the majestic whitewashed church sat
proudly above them keeping watch. It was idyllic.

We loved everything about the Algarve from that moment, the
food, the people, the stunning beaches, and wide-open blue skies.
The pace of life was enticing, and the area captured our hearts.
So I would recommend Ferragudo as an excellent base to see the
Algarve from. Hire a car, grab a map and go explore. And then
head up to Monchique and enjoy a hearty plate of Piri-piri chicken
and watch the sunset. I defy anyone not to be enthralled by this wonderful place.

Do you like the Portuguese food, the British food or others?

Oh, definitely Portuguese local food. You can still eat a
three-course meal for less than ten euros a head if
you know where to go. The fish is freshly caught, and the meat
dishes are hearty meals. Try a cataplana ( a type of fish stew) and
ask for baba de camelo for pudding (it literally translates as
‘camel spit’) it’s a delicious caramel-flavoured mousse.
Or try the locals’ favourite of grilled sardines.
Just the smell of them cooking makes me hungry!

Do you sometimes feel homesick ?

No, never! I can honestly say that Portugal is our home and we are
extremely happy here. I have absolutely no plans to return to the UK – ever!

What does a typical day look like for you?

I am an early riser. I love to get up at about 5 a.m. and have the
house and the world all to myself. This is my best time for writing,
I find my brain is full of ideas and the thoughts and words just flow easily.
We have a beautiful rescue dog called Kat, and about 7 a.m. it is
time for me to take her for a morning walk beside the river. I treasure
that time each day, the river walk is so peaceful and beautiful.

After breakfast I am straight into my art studio, which is part of
our house. I will paint there until lunchtime, then I confess to enjoying
an afternoon nap after that! It’s great living here as no-one bats an
eyelid if you have a siesta – although the Portuguese don’t take the
afternoon siesta as seriously as their Spanish neighbours.

The afternoon is often rounded off by a trip to one of our local beaches.
Kat and I will explore the shoreline while Dave is busy with his camera.

Do you watch lots of television or have you due to the
temperature more outdoors activities?

We have Portuguese television as part of our internet package.
I think we have switched it on twice in the last two years!
I don’t miss ‘television’ at all. We love box sets of TV series,
so at the end of the day we usually curl up on the sofa for
an hour and watch the next episode in whatever series we
are currently devouring. One of our favourites is NYPD Blue –
we have all 12 seasons – it takes about eight months to watch them all!

The Algarve is such a beautiful place, and the weather
almost year-round is sunny and warm, so it would be crazy
not to enjoy it all. I love to walk around the place we call home,
chatting to our Portuguese neighbours and enjoying the stunning
countryside and unspoilt beaches that surround us.

What are your dreams/wishes/plans for 2021 and the near future?

I have three books planned for release in 2021. The first is an anthology
of life stories about other expats that have also made the Algarve
their home. It has been a real privilege to bring their stories to life.
I have chapters on people that have set up an award-winning vineyard
from scratch, been honoured by the Queen for their charity work
out here, and others who have set up a wide-range of ventures and
activities, from yurt-farms, to animal rescue, arts, local magazines,
alternative therapies and film-making. ‘Why the Algarve?’
will be released in the spring.

Next up after that is another anthology, this time entitled
‘Chasing the Dream – a new life abroad’ which combines the
writing of twenty established memoir/travel authors and their
stories of moving to a new country to live. After that it will be
the turn of a collection of stories from travel writers with a book
entitled ‘Itchy Feet – Tales of travel and adventure’. Add that to a
new set of very large paintings commissioned by a
client and you have one busy Algarve lady!

More Alyson Sheldrake

Do you want to know more about Alyson Sheldrake, please check her
sites :

Her website with beautiful artwork on this link: 

Her husband's website with amazing pictures on this link: 

All paintings: © Alyson Sheldrake

All pictures: © Dave Sheldrake Photography

Bookreview: Confessions of an Expat in Paris

 written by Vicki Lesage

"A nice memoir with humour."

Summary

From champagne bottles to baby bottles, this memoir offers a humorous glimpse
of an American expat's years abroad...

Party girl Vicki moved to Paris hoping to drink wine and fall in love. She 
accomplished both goals but not without bumps along the way: romantic
encounters gone awry, uniquely French situations threatening her sanity,
and two adorable yet tireless kids keeping her on her toes.

Journey along with Vicky as she gets her feet wet, settles in, and finally 
finds her way in Paris. All with a drink in hand and a smile on her face.
Until she must make a decision: Should she stay in her adopted city
(with all its ups and downs) or should she return home (with its
different ups and downs)?

Discover the real Paris through Vicki's eyes as she shows you the funny
side of life, love and raising a family in the city of Light. And each chapter
is paired with a delicious cocktail recipe. 

My review

It was an honest memoir: a lovely, clear and fluently written book.
It was easy and relaxing to read too. 

I enjoyed reading and sometimes the scenes made me laugh. 
However I wanted to read more about Paris than about the author's life.

I would like to recommend this book to all readers who like memoirs,
and travel stories with lots of humour.

Therefore, I would like to give this book a 4 star rating on 5. 

The author

Bestselling author Vicki Lesage proves daily that raising two French kids
isn't as easy as the hype lets on. In her spare time, she writes, sips bubbly, and 
prepares for the impending zombie apocalypse. She just moved back to the
US after living in Paris for 11 years, with her French husband, rambunctious
son, and charming daughter in tow, all of whom mercifully don't laugh
when she says "au revoir". She penned the Paris Confessions series in between
diaper changes and wine refills. She writes about the ups and downs of her life

on her site on this link. 

BookSirens

I received a copy free by BookSirens for giving my honest review. Thank you very
much for this excellent reading chance

Bookreview: Strange Nights, and Some Days Too

Why'll you love Japan, for a year 

written by Ken Seeroi

Fantastic guide to Japan

Summary

With wry humour, deep cultural insight and an impressive capacity for

malt liquor and black pepper potato chips, the author takes you through
real-life tales of women in short skirts, men with no teeth, a friend's 
suicide, a fight with a yakuza, and a maze of smokey back-alley bars 
throughout Japan. 

My Review

This book is wonderfully written in short chapters with a great sense
of humour. It's about incidents and misadventures in Japan.

I enjoyed the stories (which made me laugh) and the clear writing
style.

I would recommend this book for everyone who is interested in 
Japan. I want to give this book with lots of pleasure a 5 star rating.

The author

One afternoon, Ken Seeroi left his successful banking career and
boarded a plane for Tokyo with two suitcases and a phrasebook.

He spent a decade learning the language and living a Japanese
lifestyle among local people, finally realizing his dream of life
in Japan.

Ken Seeroi has now lived in Japan for 12 years, in seven
different cities while pursuing a wide variety of jobs.
He is well-renowned in the nation as an educator and karaoke
singer. 

BookSirens

I received a free copy by BookSirens to make an honest review. Thank
you very much for giving me this chance! 

Source picture: Book Cover 

Bookreview Walloon Ways

Walloon Ways 

Three years as a weekend Belgian

written by Valerie Poore

"What an amazing beautiful story."

Summary

In 2003, Val Poore bought her dream: a barge with a garden in
Brussels. With her partner Koos, she embarked on a life of
weekend residency in Belgium. For three years, they explored
the lovely Walloon countryside as well as the Belgian river and
canal network while they made their floating home habitable. 

If you don't know Belgium, this could be the starter that gives you
a taste for more! 

My Review

After the recommendation by Lally Brown, I wanted to read a book
of Valerie Poore. It was a very nice surprise that she wrote about 
her time in Belgium, which is my own country.

Walloon Ways is not just an ordinary travel book, it is a memoir,
written by the author while traveling on a boat in Belgium. So, it
is very interesting to read. It also is written from a different view.
She describes her life on the water. 

The book has beautiful pictures and clear maps of the waterways
in Belgium. It is written structured, with humour and flair, which I like.
I discovered new places while reading Walloon Ways. 

I would recommend this book to friends, family, colleagues who
want to know more about Belgium from the point of view of the
water! Without no hesitation, I give a 5 star rating for Walloon
Ways! 

The Author

Valerie Poore was born in London, England, and grew up in the
north of London and the west of Dorset. After completing her degree
in English, History and French at Bournemouth, she took a further
course in the conversation and restauration of museum artefacts at
Lincoln College of Art. She spent two years doing furniture restoration
before going to South Africa in 1981 with her husband and her small
children. 

Val left South Africa permanently in 2001, and has settled in the
Netherlands, where she shares her time between a live aboard barge in
Rotterdam and a cottage in Zeeland. 

She has written several books inter alia: the Skipper's Child, Water Way,

Walloon Was and many more. 

She has her own blog about her life on the water. If you are 
interested, please check this link. 

We love memoirs

I received a copy for free by the We love memoirs group on 
Facebook. Thank you very much for giving me this wonderful
chance! 

Source picture: Book Cover 

Bookreview: Treefrogs Can't Sing

I was very honoured when Lally Brown offered me huge breaking news!

The release of the cover of her newest book "Treefrogs Can't Sing" took place
in my Author in the picture blog of Lally Brown. Check this link.

The book "Treefrogs can't sing" is available on Amazon on this link.
Don't hesitate to buy this wonderful sunny memoir. 🌞 And on Amazon
it has a number 1 rating! 

Note to hubby: I really want to go to the Caribbean again as soon as it is
possible 😜

Summary

"Treefrogs Can't Sing" is a delightful light-hearted memoir of
Lally Brown's three years life in the British Virgin Islands with
a toddler and a baby. It is an exotic adventure full of fun, with a
special mix of characters. 

My Review

This is the third book I read from Lally Brown, so I had a "small" idea
of which I could expect and the book "Treefrogs Can't Sing" fulfilled my
expectations for 100%. Sometimes it even makes me laugh. 

I really enjoyed the characters - the interaction with the kids, the cat, 
other animals and the people of the island the most. 

It is written very visually, I easily could imagine the events and the
feel of the island. "Treefrogs Can't Sing" also is written fluently
in clear chapters. 

Although this book is the sequel of "High and Dry in the BVI" it is
easy to read as a stand alone. 

So if you love memoirs, just as I do, don't hesitate to buy this book. I
would recommend "Treefrogs Can't Sing" to friends, family and colleagues
and for all who would like to have some Caribbean sunshine in December.

I give with lots of pleasure a five star rating to this wonderful and sunny 
memoir. 

The Author

Lally Brown is an author/photographer addicted to small islands. She lived
in Montserrat, St. Helena, BVI, TCI (Turks and Caicos Islands) and the
Isle of Wight. She likes memoirs, true stories and red squirrels. 

Please Lally, write soon some other books! 

Lally allowed me to read and review this wonderful book. Thank you very much.

Source picture: Book Cover 

Author in the picture: Lally Brown

Since 2012, I have a Twitter account. Almost from the beginning I met some lovely authors such as Lally Brown. 

She always posts very interesting tweets. She also has written three fantastic books:

- The Countess, Napoleon and St. Helena,

- The Volcano, Montserrat and Me,

- High and Dry in the BVI.

Here books are a splendid mix of personal memoirs and history as well,
written in a style I like. 

When I started this book blog, I really wanted her to ask some interesting?
questions for my author page. 

So here is the Author in the picture interview of Lally Brown. 

The Interview

Since when did you start writing stories and books?

I think I must have been born with the urge to write and tell stories Kathleen! Apparently I wrote my first ‘poem’ (about three naughty bears) when I was six and I’ve been writing all sorts of stuff ever since. My sister was an invalid and I would sit beside her bed and make up stories as I went along, something I now enjoy doing with my four grandsons. I was a journalist for a while and this enabled me to play with words - great experience for a wannabe writer!

Do you keep a diary?

Not anymore, but when I first lived abroad my parents demanded to know every little detail of my exciting new life. They insisted on long weekly letters, which they carefully saved. These became known in the family as ‘Lally’s Journals’ and later formed the foundation of my memoirs.

You’ve lived in lots of places around the world. Where was/is your favourite place?

Oh my goodness that’s a hard one to answer. I’ve loved every home I’ve ever had, from a pretty little house in an English village (one church, one shop, three pubs, primary school and village green) to the remote and isolated island of St Helena in the middle of the South Atlantic. Exiled Napoleon may have hated the island but I loved the peace, scenery, and the fabulously friendly people.

On reflection I can see that I am obviously devoted to islands, Caribbean islands in particular. Even the smallest island has a fascinating history when you begin to dig. Add sunshine, beautiful deserted beaches, shimmering sapphire sea, spectacular scenery, and you have a winning combination. Of course nature can and does throw in a wobbly now and again, an erupting volcano or a hurricane for instance.

Truth be told though I adore where I live now. The Isle of Wight is tucked into a dimple off the south coast of England. We have everything. Slow pace of life, history coming out of our ears, wonderful sandy beaches, nice climate, lovely walking and cycling. No volcanoes and no hurricanes and I can see my grandsons whenever I like. I feel well blessed to be living here. Our island motto sums it up perfectly … “All this beauty is of God.”

Have you inherited certain habits from places you’ve lived?

Definitely …for instance I am amazingly careful with water, a precious commodity when you have to collect the rain from your roof into a cistern built under the house and that’s all you’ve got to last you through the dry season. I’ve also collected some terrific recipes which I use often. For instance Jamaican banana bread and St Helena fishcakes, tomato paste sandwiches and the traditional island ‘Plo’ are regulars in my kitchen. When I lived in St Helena I edited and published a book of island recipes for my neighbour who was a great cook, and now I use this myself all the time.

Do you listen to music while writing?

No I don’t, which is odd considering I’m a huge fan of classical music (especially Mozart) but when I write I’m in  my own little world, totally cut off from whatever is happening around me. Music would just be a distraction.

Do you have other interests? I know you have a great knowledge about roses. But what else do you like or are you interested by? Inspired by?

Ha ha … roses are my husband’s pride and joy and I’ve absorbed knowledge of them through a sort of osmosis. But I thoroughly enjoy cooking, making my own cakes, bakes and jams. And when the elderflower blooms I can be found early morning gathering bunches of blossom to make elderflower cordial.

Also I thoroughly enjoy walking, especially up on the cliffs and down by the beach, the sound of the sea is so soothing and the breeze blows away any cobwebs in my head.

In a later e-mail Lally added:

 I realised afterwards I'd forgotten to mention my love of photography ... can't imagine how i could have omitted that since I've been developing and printing my own images since I was 12 ..... digital camera's are just so easy these days!

 I liked the way you stayed calm and busy during the volcano eruption. Are you always so cool and calm?

 Oh if only I could say ‘yes’ to this question Kathleen! I’d describe myself as a worrier, but it does seem that when my back is to the wall something deep inside just takes over and helps me cope and I can appear cool, calm and collected in a crisis.

Which other authors do you like and do you recommend?

Far too many to mention, unless you can give me a couple of blank pages and I’ll happily list them for you. Way back during my adolescence, author Dervla Murphy was an inspiration to me, what a woman, ‘Full Tilt – Ireland to India with a bicycle’ made me dream of being a free-spirit wandering the globe, I blame her for my lifelong love of travel.

But my current absolute favourite authors include two lovely ladies, Valerie Poore and Beth Haslam. Both have given me so much pleasure through their writing, I am forever grateful.

Do you have new writing plans?

Well I’m supposed to be finalising my new memoir ready for launch very soon. It’s called ‘Treefrogs Can’t Sing’ and chronicles a return to the British Virgin Islands with a baby and a toddler. It is the sequel to my first BVI memoir ‘High and Dry in the BVI’ but stands alone.

Breaking news! 

There is more.... Lally has allowed me to reveal ....

the first cover of her newest book! What a beauty! 

 

To conclude

I only read two of the three books of Lally Brown. I really liked them both so I hope to read the
two books about the BVI. 

If you want to know more about Lally Brown check these links:

Goodreads on this link

Twitter on this link 

Of course her books (with the exception of the latest one) are available on Amazon. 

Bookreview: Lamlash Street

Lamlash Street: A Portrait of 1960's Post-War
London through One Family's story

written by J.M. Phillips

"A very nice trip to memory lane" 

Summary

Explore a world that can't be visited anymore-South East London, 1963.
On Lamlash Street, Cockney families have more life and character than money,
living among the bombed out and condemned buildings. Post WWII London
will evolve swiftly into the era of The Beatles, Twiggy, and modern, swinging London.

Experience the lively true story of a girl on her way to being a young woman,
coming-of-age at a moment in London's history unlike any other.
Jill Phillips tries to capture her first kiss while navigating a world turning
upside down and the trauma that her parents and uncle experienced during the war.

It's a time when a local factory shutting down could mean more than just job loss.
As families are torn apart, they rely on questionable yet quirky neighbors and find
inventive ways to survive-like pay cigarette machines in the house and Christmas
presents "special ordered" for a fraction of the cost.

Seen-but-not-heard by the adults in her life, Jill looks for young love and
how to define herself. Stories of Nazi aircraft on the walk home from school,
watching Doodle bugs (flying bombs) drop on London from rooftop perches,
and her uncle's many unsettling stories of war as young merchant mariner give
her a unique lens of the world and what a better future could look like for her family.

Lamlash Street: A Portrait of 1960's Post-War London Through One Family's Story
is a heartfelt and funny historical memoir. If you like non-stereotypical women
characters, working-class endurance, and a biography about rallying from abundant
loss, then you'll adore Jill Phillips' moving recollection.

Buy Lamlash Street to take an emotional and touching trip down memory lane today!

My Review

Readers of my blog(s) already know that I do like (royal) history. However London
also attracks me very much. 

It was a nice trip to the author's memory lane and the book was written very clearly.

However I missed some structure in the story. 

Nevertheless, it is a wonderful story. That's why I want to give a 4 star on 5 rating. 

The Author

J.M. Phillips is an author and retired Occupational Therapist. Motivated
by the retelling of family stories, she wrote Lamlash Street, which is about
navigating family life in London after World War II. She is a storyteller with
a passion to inspire families to connect through the telling of their past.

Growing up in the UK, J.M. emigrated to Canada after working in a London
solicitor’s office for a few years. She spent 30 years working as an
Occupational Therapist and Hospital manager before retiring.

Rather than slowing down the pace of life as she neared retirement,
J.M. refocused her efforts enjoying each day with a zest for life.
 A technology and sci-fi fan with a thrill-seeking streak, she’s been
cave swimming in Mexico and hopes to swim with dolphins.

During one of her many trips to visit her family in Bexleyheath,
she was inspired to capture their memories of a way of life that is
cherished by many. Pulling from her uncle’s World War II stories and
her memories of her young life in the 1960’s, she aims to carry on his
legacy with her books.

She spent many years working in health care. She is currently splitting
her time between the UK and Canada, maintaining close contacts with
family, and at the same time discovering more fascinating family stories.
Learn more at her website on this link. 

BookSirens

I received an advance copy for free via BookSirens. I'm leaving this review
voluntarily. Thank you very much for giving me the chance for reading this
memoir. 

Lamlash Street is published by 'Red Damask Publishing' in 2020. It is 
available on Amazon.com in Kindle version and in paperback. 

Source picture: Book cover

Bookreview: How To Live The Dream

How To Live The Dream 

Things every van lifer needs to know 

written by Kristine Hudson 

Summary

Are you bored with living in the city, going to work, and never seeing anything outside of your house or office?  Do you feel like the walls are closing in on you?  Do you finally want to say “goodbye” to the city streets and “hello” to the open road?

Everywhere on social media, you see breath-taking pictures of people who have launched themselves into van living with complete success.  They seem to live the ultimate lives of freedom, rebellion, and careless, peaceful existence.  Are you ready to join them?

Van Life is a lifestyle associated with freedom.  With four wheels on the road at all times, you can go anywhere and do anything.  No more stuffy conference rooms.  No more waiting.  And in many cases, no idea what to do next!

In her debut publication, Kristine Hudson guides her audience from the wishful thinking stages, through the various levels of preparation required to put the key in the ignition and leave your “stationary home” behind.

Here are just a few of the things that “Every Van Lifer Needs to Know:”

•Whether van life is right for you- a look into balancing the reality with the dream

•Creating an environment of health and wellness no matter where you go

•How to choose your new home… and how to make it your new haven on wheels

•What you’ll need to prepare for life on the road

•How to plan your new lifestyle and secrets to transitioning to road life

•Storage solutions to maximize your space

•Planning a budget ...and much, much more!

Take a second to imagine how badly you want to hit the road… then think of how ready you feel!  No matter how deeply you wish to delve into the #vanlife lifestyle, author Kristine Hudson has tips that will help you become more prepared and confident about your plans.  If you’re ready to leave behind all of the noise, clutter, and frustrations of the stationary lifestyle and explore the country from a van, skoolie, or RV, click to add How to Live the Dream: Things Every Van Lifer Needs to Know to your cart now!

My Review

When I saw this book on the BookSirens website, I immediately wanted to read the book due to the
subject. However perhaps, I expected too much from "How To Live The Dream", so it hasn't brought me what I expected. 

However the book was written very clear and in short chapters, which I really like! I learned more about the nomadic lifestyle in the 21st. century. 

The author and the book inspired me because it was clearly stated that dreams should not be followed just like that. Dreams do have a cost and everything has to be planned extremely well! 

"How To Live The Dream" is special because due to the clearly defined chapters. It also has beautiful pictures and an amazing cover. I certainly would recommend "How To Live The Dream - Things Every Van Lifer Needs To know". That's why I give this book a 4 star on 5 rating. 

The author

For Kristine Hudson and her husband Brad, the adventure never ends! If you enjoyed reading Ms. Hudson’s insights on preparing for a life on the road in “How to Live the Dream: Things Every Van Lifer Needs to Know,” you’ll love catching up with her on her new Facebook page.

For ladies who are curious about the daily ins and outs of being a Boss Lady after reading “How to Choose the Ultimate Side-Hustle: Making Money and Being Your Own Boss,” Ms. Hudson shares her regular experiences with keeping herself organized while maintaining her writing and editing career.

It may seem that waking up every day in a new place and having a successful, satisfying career may be mutually exclusive. “Like” and “Follow” Kristine Hudson on Facebook to see her in action… and to catch a glimpse of her sometimes hectic, but always compelling, life on the road!

Kristine Hudson’s Van Life: https://www.facebook.com/eternalvantrip/

BookSirens

I received an advanced copy for free thanks to BookSirens. I'm leaving this review voluntarily. 

Source picture: Book Cover 

Recensie: Nooit Meer De Oude

geschreven door Mieke Lannoey

Burn-out als uitnodiging voor een nieuwe manier van leven en werken. 

Samenvatting

Nooit meer de oude van Mieke Lannoey is een boek over het leven na een burn-out. Een burn-out hakt je leven in een ‘voor’ en een ‘na’. Waar velen het herstel van burn-out als het eindpunt beschouwen, is het in werkelijkheid slechts het begin. De nieuwe manier van leven en werken begint met te aanvaarden dat je nooit meer de oude wordt.

Hoe komt het daarnaast dat, ondanks alle preventieve maatregelen, het aantal burn-outs blijft stijgen en zich als een ware epidemie verder verspreidt? Zou het kunnen dat onze maatschappij de uitnodiging van burn-out (nog) niet heeft begrepen? Dat we nog steeds niet snappen dat we niet aan symptoombestrijding moeten doen, maar vanuit de kern wezenlijk moeten veranderen?

In dit boek, het vervolg op Burn-out, het begin van verandering, deelt Mieke Lannoey zowel haar persoonlijke zoektocht als haar inspirerende visie op wat wil ontstaan. Ze gelooft dat de post-burn-out generatie aan de basis ligt van een nieuwe maatschappij.

Mijn review

Via Kobo Plus van bol.com las ik al eerdere boeken van Mieke Lannoey. Vooral omdat het onderwerp - burn-out en psychologisch welzijn me enorm interesseert. Momenteel ben ik ook via NHA een curus Bedrijfspychologie aan het volgen. Daarom wou ik het boek 'Nooit Meer De Oude - Burn-Out als uitnodiging voor een nieuwe manier van leven en werken'  absoluut lezen. 

Mieke Lannoey heeft zoals in al haar andere boeken een heel vlotte en heldere schrijfstijl. De hoofdstukken zijn niet te groot en lezen dus vloeiend. De schrijfster geeft ook mooie, rake voorbeelden. Ze is en blijft ook steevast heel positief wat er ook gebeurt. Een klein minpuntje: er worden iets té veel dingen herhaald of te diep uitgespit. Daarom geef ik het boek
'Nooit Meer De Oude' , 4 sterren op 5.

Aarzel echter niet om het boek te kopen, als je geïnteresseerd bent in psychologie, burn-outs, de verwerking van burn-outs, spiritualiteit, ... kortom het leven. 

Over de schrijver

Mieke Lanoey was een bevlogen hulpverlener in de geestelijke gezondheidszorg. Een sector waar ze zou werken 'tot ze erbij neer zou vallen'. Dat gebeurde, alleen veel vroeger dan ze had gedacht, en niet op een door haar gewenst moment maar door een burn-out. Het dwong haar tot stistand, aanvaarding, loslaten en een bewuste manier van kijken naar het leven. Bovenal duwde de burn-out haar richting het leven van haar dromen. Op bol.com vind je alle boeken van Mieke Lannoey, waaronder het nieuwste boek van Mieke Lannoey.

Foto: Boek