Bookish - Summer, Part II
In addition to my previous post about my summer reading, here are a couple more I’ve enjoyed over the past few weeks. These are “easy reads”, which is something I need right now. Of course, they’re both set in England, which always draws me in immediately, mate.
liked it
This fictional story features strong female characters and how the same garden connects their own stories over the decades. It spans the years from World War One and Two up until the present, revealing secrets, loves, losses and hope. I love flowers and gardens, so it was enjoyable to read about those subjects. The story moved at a good pace.
liked it, sort of
This is set in an English village and takes you back to the consequences of World War One and the days leading up to World War Two. It tells the unique story of a group of women who embroider kneeling boxes and bench cushions for chapels and cathedrals (think needlepoint). My husband and I actually saw some of these beautiful works of art in a small chapel in the Cotswolds when we visited England in 2023. We weren’t sure what their purpose was unless they were some type of seat or kneeling box for prayer. I sure have learned a lot about how and why they were made and that’s fascinating. There are strong female characters who are admirable and honest. The book also shines a light on the freedom, or lack of, identity and the roles of women, in general. The only thing I didn’t like about this book was, for me, it was a bit slow. I like a book that has a cliff-hanger moment at the end of each chapter or truly has a big plot twist in the middle. But, I did enjoy this journey.