Chris Bakos's Blog, page 2
September 4, 2016
Secrets of a Charmed Life - book review
Secrets of a Charmed Life
By Susan Meissner
This review is the last, (at least for a while) from the above author Susan Meissner, particularly as it will be my fourth this year. I guess I must like this author’s work
I have read seven Susan Meissner books, and Secrets of a Charmed Life is by far my favourite.
England, 1940’s: Julia and Emmy are sisters raised by a single mother, who evacuates them from London to the English countryside during WW2 to reside with two elderly sisters. Julia is comfortable with this arrangement, enjoying the peace and tranquillity and the loving care bestowed on her. Emmy, at almost sixteen, is angry and frustrated with this decision.
Forced to assume responsibility for her seven-year-old sister, Julia, while her mother worked has matured Emmy beyond her years. She is on the cusp of attaining her dream of training as a designer of bridal gowns. A move to Oxfordshire will leave her with dashed hopes, and she is determined to succeed.
Emmy makes a decision that changes everyone’s lives forever.
Present day, Oxford, England. Kendra Van Zant is impatient to finish her assignment based on the blitzing of London during WW2. She has found a willing participant to interview. Isabel McFarland, ninety-three years, feels the time is ripe to set the record straight. Kendra, not anticipating to derive anything exceptional from the interview, other than hopefully a personal accounting of the experience, finds herself drawn into a story that leaves her heart reeling.
Once again, this author has written a book that intricately weaves the past and present together in a mesmerising story of love, hope, and heart-wrenching despair that keeps the reader engaged from page one to the very last page.
Before I finish I would like to add a last note about Susan Meissner, and that is from my experience of reading her books, I am aware of three different genres of writing from her (there could be more). Earlier books were contemporary Christian-based books. The next I encountered were mystery books with the same lead character and finally my last three books reviews of her books have been Contemporary women's fiction with a historical thread intertwined. These have been my personal favourite.
Secrets of a Charmed Life
By Susan Meissner
This review is the last, (at least for a while) from the above author Susan Meissner, particularly as it will be my fourth this year. I guess I must like this author’s work
I have read seven Susan Meissner books, and Secrets of a Charmed Life is by far my favourite.
England, 1940’s: Julia and Emmy are sisters raised by a single mother, who evacuates them from London to the English countryside during WW2 to reside with two elderly sisters. Julia is comfortable with this arrangement, enjoying the peace and tranquillity and the loving care bestowed on her. Emmy, at almost sixteen, is angry and frustrated with this decision.
Forced to assume responsibility for her seven-year-old sister, Julia, while her mother worked has matured Emmy beyond her years. She is on the cusp of attaining her dream of training as a designer of bridal gowns. A move to Oxfordshire will leave her with dashed hopes, and she is determined to succeed.
Emmy makes a decision that changes everyone’s lives forever.
Present day, Oxford, England. Kendra Van Zant is impatient to finish her assignment based on the blitzing of London during WW2. She has found a willing participant to interview. Isabel McFarland, ninety-three years, feels the time is ripe to set the record straight. Kendra, not anticipating to derive anything exceptional from the interview, other than hopefully a personal accounting of the experience, finds herself drawn into a story that leaves her heart reeling.
Once again, this author has written a book that intricately weaves the past and present together in a mesmerising story of love, hope, and heart-wrenching despair that keeps the reader engaged from page one to the very last page.
Before I finish I would like to add a last note about Susan Meissner, and that is from my experience of reading her books, I am aware of three different genres of writing from her (there could be more). Earlier books were contemporary Christian-based books. The next I encountered were mystery books with the same lead character and finally my last three books reviews of her books have been Contemporary women's fiction with a historical thread intertwined. These have been my personal favourite.
Secrets of a Charmed Life
August 22, 2016
A Fall of Marigolds, book review
A Fall of Marigolds by Susan Meissner
A Fall of Marigolds is definitely one of my favourite reads of 2016. Set in New York and on Ellis Island, with two female lead characters and two time periods, both of which draw their story from two very real and tragic events.
1911 – Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire. Clara witnesses her new love, Edward, plunging to his death. She flees to Ellis Island where she nurses not only the sick immigrants newly landed from far away countries but also her wounded heart.
Cocooned in this in-between world, she is shielded from the reality of life in New York, a vibrant city full of hope, new beginnings, and the promise of endless possibilities.
Clara finds herself drawn to Andrew, a patient, struggling to survive from typhoid while he grieves the loss of his wife. Wrapped around his neck is a lady’s scarf.
When Clara inadvertently discovers a truth about his life she struggles with the knowledge. Should she tell him or should she not? Is it her secret to keep?
Can she summon the strength to put to bed the ghost that haunts her? How can she conquer her overwhelming guilt and her sense of responsibility for Edward’s death?
Fast forward ninety years – September 11, 2001, Taryn is meeting her husband at the restaurant at the Top of the World in the World Trade Centre to deliver news that will change their lives.
A customer from her fabric store detains her on the way to meet with her husband, with a request to pick up an old scarf that needs to have its fabric matched, causing her to be late to meet with her husband.
She arrives at the World Trade Centre just as the first tower collapses. A hand reaches out to pull her from the rubble, and the stranger transports her to safety before carrying on with his own agenda.
Meanwhile, racked with survivor guilt Taryn forges on for the sake of her unborn child, creating a haven for them both. She has lulled herself into believing that her life is fulfilled with her daughter and her work to occupy her.
A Fall of Marigolds
A chance photo printed on the tenth anniversary of the Twin Towers devastation portrays Taryn, covered in debris, but alive, thanks to the hand that saved her. She is recognised and the circumstances that follow, force her to confront her past while presenting choices for the future, if only she will accept them.
A Fall of Marigolds
A Fall of Marigolds is definitely one of my favourite reads of 2016. Set in New York and on Ellis Island, with two female lead characters and two time periods, both of which draw their story from two very real and tragic events.
1911 – Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire. Clara witnesses her new love, Edward, plunging to his death. She flees to Ellis Island where she nurses not only the sick immigrants newly landed from far away countries but also her wounded heart.
Cocooned in this in-between world, she is shielded from the reality of life in New York, a vibrant city full of hope, new beginnings, and the promise of endless possibilities.
Clara finds herself drawn to Andrew, a patient, struggling to survive from typhoid while he grieves the loss of his wife. Wrapped around his neck is a lady’s scarf.
When Clara inadvertently discovers a truth about his life she struggles with the knowledge. Should she tell him or should she not? Is it her secret to keep?
Can she summon the strength to put to bed the ghost that haunts her? How can she conquer her overwhelming guilt and her sense of responsibility for Edward’s death?
Fast forward ninety years – September 11, 2001, Taryn is meeting her husband at the restaurant at the Top of the World in the World Trade Centre to deliver news that will change their lives.
A customer from her fabric store detains her on the way to meet with her husband, with a request to pick up an old scarf that needs to have its fabric matched, causing her to be late to meet with her husband.
She arrives at the World Trade Centre just as the first tower collapses. A hand reaches out to pull her from the rubble, and the stranger transports her to safety before carrying on with his own agenda.
Meanwhile, racked with survivor guilt Taryn forges on for the sake of her unborn child, creating a haven for them both. She has lulled herself into believing that her life is fulfilled with her daughter and her work to occupy her.
A Fall of Marigolds
A chance photo printed on the tenth anniversary of the Twin Towers devastation portrays Taryn, covered in debris, but alive, thanks to the hand that saved her. She is recognised and the circumstances that follow, force her to confront her past while presenting choices for the future, if only she will accept them.
A Fall of Marigolds
August 8, 2016
Stars over Sunset Boulevard
Stars Over Sunset BoulevardStars over Sunset Boulevard by Susan Meissner
1938
Two women meet in a typing pool in Hollywood.
Violet has no aspirations to be in the limelight. Born into an Alabama household with all the Southern expectations of family and children, she is a product of her upbringing with no desire to be anything but an ordinary housewife and mother. Fate, however, deals her a cruel blow and dashes her hopes. She flees to Los Angeles and strikes up an unlikely allegiance with Audrey, an older, worldly woman.
Audrey is an aspiring actress seeking that one golden opportunity that will shoot her to stardom and all the trappings of fame and fortune. Ten years previously, she almost touched
One man is piggy in the middle in a triangle of love and friendship.
The set of “Gone with the Wind” provides an exciting backdrop to the story as their friendship blossoms on and off the set. A vivid picture of that era is brightly painted on the pages of the book as Susan Meissner dazzles your senses with her descriptions, almost making one believe they can touch and taste and smell, the costumes and the lights and the sets.
2012, in a vintage clothing store, Christine unpacks a box containing an old green hat. She flips it over and reads the tag, Scarlett #13. Immediately, she is transported to a childhood memory. She has seen this hat before!
Stars over Sunset Boulevard is a journey that spans several decades recording a story of Love and friendship, woven in an elaborate web of secrets, lies and deceptions.
Stars Over Sunset Boulevard
1938
Two women meet in a typing pool in Hollywood.
Violet has no aspirations to be in the limelight. Born into an Alabama household with all the Southern expectations of family and children, she is a product of her upbringing with no desire to be anything but an ordinary housewife and mother. Fate, however, deals her a cruel blow and dashes her hopes. She flees to Los Angeles and strikes up an unlikely allegiance with Audrey, an older, worldly woman.
Audrey is an aspiring actress seeking that one golden opportunity that will shoot her to stardom and all the trappings of fame and fortune. Ten years previously, she almost touched
One man is piggy in the middle in a triangle of love and friendship.
The set of “Gone with the Wind” provides an exciting backdrop to the story as their friendship blossoms on and off the set. A vivid picture of that era is brightly painted on the pages of the book as Susan Meissner dazzles your senses with her descriptions, almost making one believe they can touch and taste and smell, the costumes and the lights and the sets.
2012, in a vintage clothing store, Christine unpacks a box containing an old green hat. She flips it over and reads the tag, Scarlett #13. Immediately, she is transported to a childhood memory. She has seen this hat before!
Stars over Sunset Boulevard is a journey that spans several decades recording a story of Love and friendship, woven in an elaborate web of secrets, lies and deceptions.
Stars Over Sunset Boulevard
July 10, 2016
The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry
The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry is possibly a book I would never have read, had it not been recommended to me by my sister. The cover is not particularly appealing (Yes I am shallow enough to judge covers when it comes to my reading material). Also, the premise could seem a little farfetched.
Harold Fry is sixty-five and not in the greatest physical shape, being more of a couch potato than an athlete. In addition, his attire is questionable; dressed in a shirt and tie and completely inappropriate yachting shoes, to made the trek of 627 miles (not Kms) from his hometown, across England and into Scotland, with no supplies, change of clothes, etc. After all, the silly man only went to the post box to post a letter to a terminally ill long ago female acquaintance.
Instead, of returning home, he just kept walking. He had the bright spark idea that he had the power to save her from death by completing his pilgrimage across the country to see her! A journey that he could only accomplish on foot, or it would not count.
Harold’s wife, Maureen, is confused. What can have possessed him to go charging off into the great unknown. They have a conforming and rather rigid marriage of convenience. At first, she is mildly irritated by his absence. After all, he was late home for dinner, and there was nobody to put out the rubbish bins. Slowly, though, irritation turns to alarm as she realises he must have dementia, for no one in their right mind would display his sort of behaviour.
Take the journey with Harold and experience an assortment of characters to make you laugh, cry and no doubt shake your heads as you question his and sometimes their sanity, all the while championing his cause. The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry is an expedition I am glad I did not miss
The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold FryThe Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry
Harold Fry is sixty-five and not in the greatest physical shape, being more of a couch potato than an athlete. In addition, his attire is questionable; dressed in a shirt and tie and completely inappropriate yachting shoes, to made the trek of 627 miles (not Kms) from his hometown, across England and into Scotland, with no supplies, change of clothes, etc. After all, the silly man only went to the post box to post a letter to a terminally ill long ago female acquaintance.
Instead, of returning home, he just kept walking. He had the bright spark idea that he had the power to save her from death by completing his pilgrimage across the country to see her! A journey that he could only accomplish on foot, or it would not count.
Harold’s wife, Maureen, is confused. What can have possessed him to go charging off into the great unknown. They have a conforming and rather rigid marriage of convenience. At first, she is mildly irritated by his absence. After all, he was late home for dinner, and there was nobody to put out the rubbish bins. Slowly, though, irritation turns to alarm as she realises he must have dementia, for no one in their right mind would display his sort of behaviour.
Take the journey with Harold and experience an assortment of characters to make you laugh, cry and no doubt shake your heads as you question his and sometimes their sanity, all the while championing his cause. The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry is an expedition I am glad I did not miss
The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold FryThe Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry
June 11, 2016
Between Sisters by Cathy Kelly
Book review -
Between Sisters
By Cathy Kelly
Meet Cassie and Coco, two sisters in their thirties, who were raised by their grandmother, Pearl, a wise and caring old bird.
Cassie juggles a full-time job, husband and two teenage girls, fighting valiantly to keep all the balls in the air, while struggling not to feel just the teeniest of resentment over the time her husband spends outside of the family home. Sometimes hers seems like a thankless job.
Coco is single and pours her energy into her vintage shop – The Twentieth Century Boutique.
Both sisters have abandonment issues, with wounds that simmer just below the surface.
Between Sisters is a richly woven tapestry of love, friendship and family ties.
Once again, Cathy Kelly engages the reader, drawing them into the lives of the characters. As the book reaches its conclusion, one feels almost bereft at the inevitable farewell to the friends made within the pages of the book.
Between Sisters
By Cathy Kelly
Meet Cassie and Coco, two sisters in their thirties, who were raised by their grandmother, Pearl, a wise and caring old bird.
Cassie juggles a full-time job, husband and two teenage girls, fighting valiantly to keep all the balls in the air, while struggling not to feel just the teeniest of resentment over the time her husband spends outside of the family home. Sometimes hers seems like a thankless job.
Coco is single and pours her energy into her vintage shop – The Twentieth Century Boutique.
Both sisters have abandonment issues, with wounds that simmer just below the surface.
Between Sisters is a richly woven tapestry of love, friendship and family ties.
Once again, Cathy Kelly engages the reader, drawing them into the lives of the characters. As the book reaches its conclusion, one feels almost bereft at the inevitable farewell to the friends made within the pages of the book.
April 20, 2016
Songs of Love and War
A fabulous book. My only complaint is also my greatest happiness –I did not realise until I finished this delicious book that it is part one of a three-part saga.
Set in Ireland between the years, 1910 – 1925. The reader meets the Anglo-Irish Deverill family. They are cosily ensconced in their Irish castle until the First World War crashes into their privileged lives, carelessly scattering the family. The men are off to fight and women flee Ireland to their privileged lives in London and the English countryside. That is all, except for Kitty Deverill, Irish to the bone, and her grandparents who steadfastly remain in the Castle Deverill.
As the men return from war, life regains a somewhat normalcy, however, for the Anglo-Irish in Ireland their existence is far from calm as the Sinn Fein uprising gathers its strength, reeking havoc and heartbreak.
Foremost, this sweeping drama is an epic love story. I cannot wait for the sequel!
Set in Ireland between the years, 1910 – 1925. The reader meets the Anglo-Irish Deverill family. They are cosily ensconced in their Irish castle until the First World War crashes into their privileged lives, carelessly scattering the family. The men are off to fight and women flee Ireland to their privileged lives in London and the English countryside. That is all, except for Kitty Deverill, Irish to the bone, and her grandparents who steadfastly remain in the Castle Deverill.
As the men return from war, life regains a somewhat normalcy, however, for the Anglo-Irish in Ireland their existence is far from calm as the Sinn Fein uprising gathers its strength, reeking havoc and heartbreak.
Foremost, this sweeping drama is an epic love story. I cannot wait for the sequel!
April 11, 2016
Armadillos by PK Lynch
Armadillos by PK Lynch
This debut novel written in the first person would not be my first subject choice of book to read, under normal circumstances. I was given a copy to read and provide an impartial review.
I have to say that by page four, I was drawn into the story and was compelled to see it through to its conclusion.
Aggie, a troubled teenager, chooses the fear of the unknown and breaks free from her home life. She ventures out into the vast wilderness of rural Texas with the belief that is preferable to staying put in her redneck household, where abuse is considered the norm.
Penniless and defenceless she soon learns to use her wits. The reader embarks on her journey, where she meets a host of interesting characters, before eventually returning full circle, to confront the family demons in the climactic ending of the book.
This debut novel written in the first person would not be my first subject choice of book to read, under normal circumstances. I was given a copy to read and provide an impartial review.
I have to say that by page four, I was drawn into the story and was compelled to see it through to its conclusion.
Aggie, a troubled teenager, chooses the fear of the unknown and breaks free from her home life. She ventures out into the vast wilderness of rural Texas with the belief that is preferable to staying put in her redneck household, where abuse is considered the norm.
Penniless and defenceless she soon learns to use her wits. The reader embarks on her journey, where she meets a host of interesting characters, before eventually returning full circle, to confront the family demons in the climactic ending of the book.
June 8, 2015
Rosie Hopkin's Sweetshop of Dreams - book review
Joy - A word that summons up all kind of ideals for different people - money, shopping, family, vacation, cool drink on a hot day. The list goes on. One source of joy for me is discovering a ‘new to me’ author, reading their book, loving it and then… discovering that they have a whole treasure trove of other books written, that I have yet to read. This happened to me recently with an author called Jenny Colgan. I have just finished reading Welcome to Rosie Hopkins Sweetshop. I loved this book and am so excited that she has others just waiting for me to pick up and enjoy.
If you are searching for a lighthearted, rom/com author I highly recommend Jenny Colgan.
Welcome to Rosie Hopkins Sweetshop by Jenny Colgan
I was immediately drawn into this book. Set in the Derbyshire countryside, the reader is introduced to a host of quirky, but oh so endearing characters.
Rosie, early thirties, stuck in a dead end relationship with oh so drippy and selfish Gerard, a true mummy’s boy.
Lilian an irascible octogenarian.
Edison, six years going on eighty six.
Three possible new love interests, that keep the reader guessing, will she, won’t you and if so, with whom?
For those old enough to remember the traditional sweetshop and the anticipation of spending a sixpence, when so many choices presente3d themselves, this book will be a sweetly sentimental journey down memory lane. Not compulsory though. This book holds its own with a pace that keeps the reader involved and affectionately drawn to the characters within the pages.
Welcome to Rosie Hopkins' Sweetshop of Dreams
If you are searching for a lighthearted, rom/com author I highly recommend Jenny Colgan.
Welcome to Rosie Hopkins Sweetshop by Jenny Colgan
I was immediately drawn into this book. Set in the Derbyshire countryside, the reader is introduced to a host of quirky, but oh so endearing characters.
Rosie, early thirties, stuck in a dead end relationship with oh so drippy and selfish Gerard, a true mummy’s boy.
Lilian an irascible octogenarian.
Edison, six years going on eighty six.
Three possible new love interests, that keep the reader guessing, will she, won’t you and if so, with whom?
For those old enough to remember the traditional sweetshop and the anticipation of spending a sixpence, when so many choices presente3d themselves, this book will be a sweetly sentimental journey down memory lane. Not compulsory though. This book holds its own with a pace that keeps the reader involved and affectionately drawn to the characters within the pages.
Welcome to Rosie Hopkins' Sweetshop of Dreams
January 10, 2015
Ghostwritten by Isabel Wolff
Ghostwritten is a powerful and evocative book.
As the story unfolds the reader is plunged into an ever changing world where the old rules no longer apply and fear of the unknown becomes the norm.
Two people, two time periods, are interwoven throughout, with a common bond that unites them.
With characters that leap off the pages and straight into the heart, we share their journey and marvel at their strength, and their amazing resilience.
This is not a frivolous beach read but rather a book that transports the reader into the lives of the characters within the pages and resonates deeply. We are exposed to the depths of human suffering, where worlds’ are torn apart and depravity is a common bedfellow.
It is the strength and endurance of the human soul to overcome extreme adversity and suffering particularly in the name of love, that shines through and stays with the reader (me) long after the last page has been turned.
A thought provoking and memorable piece of fiction, bravo…
Ghostwritten
As the story unfolds the reader is plunged into an ever changing world where the old rules no longer apply and fear of the unknown becomes the norm.
Two people, two time periods, are interwoven throughout, with a common bond that unites them.
With characters that leap off the pages and straight into the heart, we share their journey and marvel at their strength, and their amazing resilience.
This is not a frivolous beach read but rather a book that transports the reader into the lives of the characters within the pages and resonates deeply. We are exposed to the depths of human suffering, where worlds’ are torn apart and depravity is a common bedfellow.
It is the strength and endurance of the human soul to overcome extreme adversity and suffering particularly in the name of love, that shines through and stays with the reader (me) long after the last page has been turned.
A thought provoking and memorable piece of fiction, bravo…
Ghostwritten
December 21, 2014
Christmas poem by Chris Bakos
In the absence of a book review to share right now, I instead share a Christmas poem entitled: What is Christmas?
What is Christmas?
Saucer round child eyes, brimming with awe
That gaze at the setting, the wonders galore
A sparkling grotto, the big guy in red,
Surrounded by helpers - perched on his sled.
What is Christmas?
Breath dancing in clouds, as friends meet and greet
Wrapped gaily in warm clothes, with boots on their feet
Abusive people fighting to park
Intent on their mission, to shop until dark
What is Christmas?
Parties and eggnog and way too much food,
For one must partake, to decline would be rude.
Laughter, bold sweaters, old songs repeat
Loud alcohol voices sing off key to the beat.
What is Christmas?
Folks gather in houses, together at last
While a solitary man cries for he’s lost in the past
With no children nor wife and no dog at his feet
As others share good times, they’re feeling replete
What is Christmas?
An angel some shepherds, a night filled with stars
Three wise men with treasures – they’ve travelled afar
A stable, some cattle, a bless –ed child
His heart filled with goodness, so meek and mild
What is Christmas?
Saucer round child eyes, brimming with awe
That gaze at the setting, the wonders galore
A sparkling grotto, the big guy in red,
Surrounded by helpers - perched on his sled.
What is Christmas?
Breath dancing in clouds, as friends meet and greet
Wrapped gaily in warm clothes, with boots on their feet
Abusive people fighting to park
Intent on their mission, to shop until dark
What is Christmas?
Parties and eggnog and way too much food,
For one must partake, to decline would be rude.
Laughter, bold sweaters, old songs repeat
Loud alcohol voices sing off key to the beat.
What is Christmas?
Folks gather in houses, together at last
While a solitary man cries for he’s lost in the past
With no children nor wife and no dog at his feet
As others share good times, they’re feeling replete
What is Christmas?
An angel some shepherds, a night filled with stars
Three wise men with treasures – they’ve travelled afar
A stable, some cattle, a bless –ed child
His heart filled with goodness, so meek and mild
