Booknutt

Sorry about the gaff, folks. Anyone else out there read this latest P.G. work?

"Sleepers Castle" anyone? Really enjoyed this latest Erskine where we're led a bit further into spiritual type stuff, and fascinating it is too. Silly to think that I'd never before considered that as we can look back to meet past life people in spirit, so they can look forward to see us too! Imagine living in a long term family home where your great grandparents are still capable of keeping an eye on the younger generations! A bit spooky, but also comforting, too. Love to hear from others who liked the novel, too - ?

Body of Water is Ceri's first detective novel, and I really got right into it. Her usual wicked sense of humour is firmly present too, lifting the murder case being investigated. Let's hope it's only the first of many more from this gifted lady ... I'm getting into crime at last!

Three Sisters, three Queens - What did we think then? It took a bit of time for me to realise I was actually enjoying the read. At first Margaret (sister of Henry the eighth) seemed a bit of a whinger to me. Gradually though I realised she was just being a "sister" to the other two Queens (Mary and Katherine of Aragon) in alternating sentiment with jealousy regarding her kinship. Especially in the midst of a crises, Margaret would pause to let off steam at one or both of the other two! Of course as the sister of only a brother I couldn't be expected to "get" it immediately - could I? Over to y'all ...

Your mom sounds like a very interesting lady, Anna. Makes me feel a bit guilty though, I really should read more books with some valuable "grit" in them more often! She'll love them even if she grumbles.

Do you ask the givers to add an inscription in their buy, Kylie? I think it's a lovely touch for a treasured gift. Special memories of family or friends as the years pass.

Still time to drop broad hints, Talisman! Make someone's seasonal shopping less frenzied?

I've got a kindle too, Anna, and find it very useful, but I also love the feel of "real" books, so enjoy both. Whatever the form, books are books and (the right!) gift cards pose an enjoyable problem - what to choose next? Useful suggesions Madeline and Flip, re: the Boots card. I think I finished up buying toothpastes and toothbrushes!! Of course I appreciated the actual buying of the gift, but still mourned the pleasure of more book-choosing. Isn't it sweet suffering going into bookstores at this time of year, everyone? Santa's grotto of books around us, but confined to just one or two choices!

I asked for a book card for a birthday gift last year, folks. Well, my elderly friend got it half right ...she presented me with a Boots card. Boots! What use is that to a booknutt. I ask you??

Yes, and vouchers don't even have to be gift wrapped, Flip. Sighs of relief from any of my friends spared my efforts!

Well, I've got my plans launched in this book topic ... luckily I have several readers as friends so we mostly just buy books for each other. Of course it can be quite pricey too so we agree to buy good second hand where we can, or use the "cheap shops", to cut expense. Sometimes ebooks are preferred, so a gift token can solve that. OK so - do you prefer books you will eventually lend, or sell, or donate to charities? Or, much like myself prefer many of your books as "for keeps?" a common problem for bookworms! Santa has already promised me the Conn Iggulden Wars of the Roses trilogy in paperback for storage issues, but as beautifully decorated as the hardbacks. Also the Jean Auel "Earthchildren" series, started years ago but never finished. I can smell that wonderful fresh unpolluted air, and feel the freedom of vast spaces everytime I look at the covers. Yes, both keepers for my growing library! Then as gifts? The latest hardback on Queen Victoria for a royalty-nut friend. The Bernard Cornwall "Harlequin" trilogy for a newbie to his historical work. For a lover of fantasy fables a copy of "Hearts Blood" by Juliet Marillier. Then for penfriends (yes, old fashioned snailmail) the most attractive bookmarks I can find. A really good way to gather up a lovely selection to use daily. What about the rest of you? Fiction or fact? Paper or ebook? A gift to give or receive? Its the major book-time of the year, so have a good browse online or instore. Merry Christmas and many Happy New reading years to all!!

Thanks Athena!

Do we actually know if there is another book coming in this series? Maybe it's just a rumour to keep interest in the books going? I do agree with Mr. Cat ... making the t.v. series a trashy version of the books does nothing for author or (most) fans.

The Chimes is certainly scarier in my opinion, Lau Lou! I do love the film's and novel of a C.C. . Maybe familiarity cushions the scariness, though?? Enjoy your Dickens reading L L.

Nelly might just surprise new readers of this book ... it's the quiet ones who need watching, isn't it?

Nelly Dean by Alison Case ... who else has enjoyed this absorbing tale? Servant Nelly was a regular in "WH" working at both the Heights and Thrushcross Grange, making her ringside to the dramas of both houses, and families. In between that, she lived a pretty eventful life of her own, and Alison Case has done a fine job of weaving the original story into Nelly' s own one, starting with her as a child, through to her old age. I came on this novel by chance, but my hardback copy is one of my treasured "keepers" now, and I know I'll re-enjoy it often. It's in paperback now, it won't cost much to treat yourself, or, of course your local Library will be able to help. Come back and tell us what you think -?

Hi gang - it's been a while since I dropped by, so good to catch up with a few other Erskine fans, again. So - we're on the run up to Sleepers Castle at the end of June! This next BE is set in Hay, full circle from Lady of Hay which is thirty this year ... scary isn't it?! Noting that, I'm a bit concerned. Could it be that this might be the last novel in the Erskine library? Of course we hope not, but 30 years+ is a good "innings" for a second career, including all the promotional work too. OK, let's not get depressed over possibilities - just look forward to the summer treat ahead. I'm already planning a lovely break in the routine to relax and really get into the book. Keep the faith gang, and maybe read a few of our favourites, meantime. They never get "old" do they?

Now then, fellow Fremantle fans ... Hello?? ...I know you're there, somewhere! Anyone have thoughts on "Sisters of Treason" the next in the family? My heart went out to Mary Grey - handicapped and undersized, she was treated like a lapdog by Mary Tudor, and derided by her fellow "ladies". Not a good way to treat the one of the remaining two sisters of Jane Grey, is it? Happy New Year of reading to you all. Ready to chat here, anytime!

Pamela's fourth "York" novel has just been published "House of Shadows". A slightly different way of telling the story this time, the historic character is trapped in the body of her modern counterpart, who struggles to remember her own son, and life. I'm only a few chapters in as yet, but it's shaping up nicely. i'll really get stuck in over the hols! A Happy Christmas to all my readers ... enjoy your reading, and of course, the other bits too.!

Just finishing the shortie novel about Bree, and I've read all the Twilight series. Quite a miracle for me as I've spent a life avoiding "scary" stuff, but was drawn in by the films, which as usual mentions about half of what goes on in the books. I did have some problems at first getting comfortable with Edward's "icy touch, arctic kiss (!!!) marble cheek" etc. As a warmbloodded creature that sounded very uncomfortable and unnatural, but I came to accept it as part of him, eventually. I seem to be able to accept vampires better than other scary creatures - simply because I (and we, I'm sure) have already experienced other people who can "suck the life" out of any relationship or situation for their advantage, or drain the energy (or the will) from another person. So bloodsuckin' vampires are just an extension of my life experience, already - and let's face it veggie-vampires are less of a threat, too! I'll proceed cautiously down Scareville Road ... if any of you have suggestions for a novice, I'd be interested to have them - ? Enjoy your "reads" everyone!

I'm just at the looking for my next read stage. It's a time I really don't like as I scrabble through my TBR pile trying to choose! Between ourselves, I do feel the pull from "The Love Knot" tugging at me, I've read it before, but do like the sprinkling of herbalist "magic" which is a theme of the story. Nice to learn something of daily life back then, isn't it? Just another EC skill that brings us back for more. Happy reading, all ... whatever your choice is.

Ok, I'll continue talking to myself .. feel free to jump aboard, anyone out there! Any news yet on the next Erskine novel, anyone? The Darkest Hour was certainly good, but I'm getting twitchy now with missing her usual settings - way back in really historical times! Roll on the next one, hopefully out for the Christmas frenzy - ?

I've just bought the whole series (again! I've gotta stop doing regular clear-outs of my books) in paperback and all in the "YA" versions, frankly only for economys sake. So Ive got a mixture of different covers, which is fun! It does annoy me though how, even though the readers are supposed to "grow up "with the characters, actual sets themselves are either cartoonish or more staid, which is the "adult"version. Why has no one chosen to illustrate the covers starting off younger when Harry is 11, and matureing as each subsequent book completes the story.? Too much like common sense, maybe - ? Enjoy, everyone, no matter which versions you read!

My biggest downfall is the charity shops. I can't pass one without nipping in for a quick scan. Unfortunately the main route into/out of town is lined with 9 of them! I'm doomed, folks, doomed! I've just failed to resist 6 Trudi Canavan novels (in great condition, too) for only a couple of pounds each. The stress, the stress!