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Crooked Heart by Lissa Evans
Crooked Heart is unlike any novel I’ve read about WWII – it is both compelling, and at times, wickedly humorous. It doesn’t so much focus on the Blitz or the war itself, but on the people who have to get by in the mess and ruins. And what people these are! Unscrupulous, cheating the system, and finagling their way through the tough times.
But wait, I’m getting ahead of myself…
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Book Barmy 2.0
I had long played with the idea of a book blog, but knew nothing about how to go about it — but I did know it was going to be called ~~ Book Barmy.
Then lo and behold, my beloved aunt was visiting and she offered to design this little blog for me. That was years ago, and while I still love the look and feel of this site, the technical aspects needed updating.
My head spun when I learned it needed an updated PHP (what the heck it that?) — also it should be optimized for phone and tablet viewing, not just for computer.
With my fingers crossed I contacted a classmate back East who has a wonderful web design company, and while she is trying to retire, she agreed to take on the Book Barmy update project. Thanks Ruth and Aimee!
And so, here it is!
Updated, improved ~~ but most importantly, a new and beautiful Book Barmy look. Check it out on whatever device you want.
In other news, a friend was traveling in Wales and trying to figure out the signage – and place names.
She told me they used the tested Book Barmy method to communicate to each other while using the trains and road signs. That made me so happy… You can see our method HERE.
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The Black Wolf by Louise Penny
This is the twentieth in Ms. Penny’s beloved Gamache series, and it doesn’t miss a beat.
Picking up where The Grey Wolf left off, The Black Wolf is both chilling and prophetic installment in which Inspector Gamache realizes the domestic terror plot he risked everything to stop was only the beginning.
(Note: The Black Wolf is a continuation of The Grey Wolf, so it’s important they be read in order.)
Gamache, has retreated to the quiet refuge of Three Pines while he recovers from the injuries he sustained during the pursuit of the the Grey Wolf.
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Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan
I chose this short Christmas novella with the perfect cover during a cold and windy night over the holidays.
Brief but breathtaking, Small Things Like These was shortlisted for the 2022 Booker Prize and is set in the days leading up to Christmas.
Bill Furlong is living a quiet, simple life in Ireland. He’s a happy man and dotes on his wife and five daughters. They have enough to eat and aren’t living on credit. The town has known hard times, factories are closing, and people are being laid off. Mr. Furlong is making ends meet by delivering coal and firewood to the townspeople.
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Murder at the Manor Edited by Martin Edwards
I’ve been dipping in and out of this short story collection for several months and it seemed like the perfect choice to continue during the busy holidays.
(I have a big weakness for the cover art on most all the British Library Crime Series – just can’t resist.)
(more…)From the blurb: The English country house is an iconic setting for some of the greatest British crime fiction. This new collection gathers together stories written over a span of about 65 years, during which British society, and life in country houses, was transformed out of all recognition. It includes fascinating and unfamiliar twists on the classic ‘closed circle’ plot, in which the assorted guests at a country house party become suspects when a crime is committed. In the more sinister tales featured here, a gloomy mansion set in lonely grounds offers an eerie backdrop for dark deeds.
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A No for the New Year
We’re already half way through January and I’ve been missing, but for good reasons.
We had a busy, fun-filled holiday with beloved friends coming to visit from near and far. It was a wonderful whirlwind, but I did remember to pause and look around to remember these moments with those I love.
But now it’s a new year and so far, not so good. I’m sure many of you feel the same.
I like this quote:
I don’t need a New Year’s resolution. It’s the year’s turn to be better.
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My Christmas Wish
I don’t need, or want any presents.
My only Christmas wish is that those I love and cherish are happy, safe and healthy — and that includes all of you lovely Book Barmy followers.
If you need me, I’ll be here. My favorite week of the year is coming up…between Christmas and the New Year. Enjoy – stay warm – read a good book or two.
Merry Christmas.
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Christmas Advertising
It’s time for the annual Book Barmy collection of the best Christmas ads from around the world. As always, the UK seems to dominate our list with beautifully produced and magical holiday stories. As with the current marketing landscape, AI and social media-first storytelling play a strong role. But it doesn’t seem to diminish these sometimes corny, often nostalgic, and yet magic stories of the holiday season.
Grab a cup of something warm, and be sure to click on full screen and turn up your volume.
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The Christmas Chronicles by Nigel Slater
Each November, I used to check this book out of my local library and browse through its lovely pages. But alas, before I could get through – it had to be returned. I did this for three consecutive years, until this year – finally – I found a used copy at my favorite book store .
The Christmas Chronicles takes the reader from November through January and covers everything most-British-holiday.
Each day of the season, Mr. Slater writes about food and its preparation sensuously and lovingly, but also gardening, practical tips, and decorating his home. He delves into childhood memories and fascinating insights into Christmas traditions and their origins.
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Christmas Shopping
