Booknutt

Have been a bit late starting "Serpent's Mound" and presently am only a few chapters in - but I'm hooked, already! A combination of mystical atmosphere varied with robust-everydayness (e.g. the colourful language of her characters! ) is becoming a trademark of this talented lady, and I love it. The one offsets the other beautifully, bringing a burst of humour to the story. If you liked "Celtic Maidens" (her first novel) you'll surely like this. It'd be a great "read" for those lazy holiday hours. Anyone got any thoughts on either novel?

Greetings, Erskine-fans - I've finished "River of Destiny" and was impressed - though frankly I didn't expect anything less. This lady just gets better in her craft. That plain fact aside- I can now admit that I did have some doubts as to whether I'd be comfortable personally with the three-strand storyline, which is new to B.E.'s novels. I'm not hugely into short stories as a rule, and wondered how she'd present the idea. She handled it well though, giving us short glimpses of each time era in turn, and keeping the sword (Destiny) as a common linking theme. It all weaved together beautifully, with the main modern characters all coming to acceptable ends, and keeping the tragedies in the past. Don't want to spoil the experience for anyone who hasn't read it yet, so I'll just say I did like the way that the modern metalsmith of the story (Leo) finally found fulfilment on behalf of the earlier era smiths whose wives both died pregnant or in childbirth - that was a nice touch. So - for anyone who is keeping this book for holiday reading - Enjoy - it's a great addition to our Erskine "libraries".. .

Welcome here, Cory(ographies) Yep - I agree with Sue "Hiding" is thumpin' good read. "On the Edge of Darkness" is another goodie where the hero Adam is taken back to visit the 6th century as a lad, by a young girl being training to be a Druid priestess - and she haunts his life till his grand daugher finally sees her off, decades later! That was nice and chilly too. I'm currently on River of Destiny, and loving it. Don't like Ken (husband of heroine Zoe) , who's showing himself already to be quite the M.C.P. and a cheats on her, too Maybe he'll come to a sticky end - ? Just popped by for a quick visit - must get back to the plot ...

Hello out there ... ? Anyone read "The Raven Queen" or the previous "Swan Maiden" recently? Or the "White Mare" series of even earlier? We're not too proud here to discuss any of the novels of Jules Watson. Jules is currently writing again, but it's on an alternative theme to the Celtic-times ones of so far, which is a shame I think - but the new book is bound to be just as good as her others. Meantime - come and chat here, about any of her so-far books

Thanks, Sue. R of D is next on my list, I'm determined to get to it this weekend, and am my current novel every spare minute to get it finished! I just love the orange colour of the cover, by the way...

Thanks for your thoughts, everybody. I received my order of illustrated Hobbit and the LOTR trilogy yesterday. I'd planned to start Hobbit in a week or two, after I've finished my current historical novel, and read two newly published books I've just received. Made the mistake of flicking through them to admire the illustrations, though - and now Hobbit is calling to me from the bookshelves - ! (Isn't it so frustrating when you try to read a TBR pile in order, and they just won't wait in peace for their turn?) Maybe I'll just compromise and leave it beside my bed,and it'd be just right for a bit of relaxing "nightcap" reading - ? Does anyone else have the mini Hobbit hardback? (the 75th Anniversary one) What do you think of it regardng quality, illustrations, 'n other stuff?

It's a bit of the other way around for me, Bookhound - it's the films that persuaded me to give the books a try - again. Any comments from anyone who has read and seen both? Mostly, films of books don't have half of the same detail, but some can be very successfully shortened, staying true to the characters and stories. It's going to be a few weeks till I can settle with "The Hobbit" to start me at the beginning - so any thoughts would be welcome, gang. P.S. Love the mini Hobbit hardback brought out for the 75th Anniversary. Maybe I'll get one of those, too?

Anybody reading (or thinking of reading) the works of JRR T. about now-ish? Have just ordered an illustrated LOTR set (inclusive of the Hobbit) and I really think these may be the ones I finally read from beginning to end! I have had so many false starts, with this series. Definitely feel drawn to this particular set, though, so it's lookin' promising ... Absolutely love the films, and am looking forward to the new "Hobbit" movie, too - we can't have enough fantasy in this life!

Spotted another hardback version of Pride and Prejudice (The Oxford Illustrated Jane Austen) in a charity shop yesterday. Having a leaf through, I wasn't too impressed with the "illustrations" (rather insipid b/w ones) and the book included the annoying-but- authentic detail of having the first word of the next page printed at the bottom of the previous one, another "minus" in my opinion. I dithered a bit, for it was in beautiful almost-immaculate condition, and a comfortable "hand" size and only £2.99 to boot(!) - but put it back. Trekked home through the rain. Had a cuppa. Got back into my damp gear and trekked back again to buy it! Oh Well - I haven't been called a booknutt for most of my life for nothing.

Had the most outrageous experience yesterday. Spotted copies of R of D on the shelves of my local supermarket before I had received my pre-ordered copy! How dare they! I was s-o-o tempted to buy it there and then ... but persuaded myself to wait and check my mails. It was this morning when I had a mail to tell me it's on the way. I thought pre-ordering was supposed to bring the perk of getting a book a little earlier than the High Street shops? all over again!

Good day, ladies - so good of you both to visit ... O.K. that's enough formality for now! I'm actually listening to "Emma" on audio CD at the mo, usually while I tackle something boring like the ironing, It's also urged me back to reading the book for myself, too. I just love visiting the good folks of Highbury, and sharing their intrigues and daily lives. Happy to chat about any Jane-stuff though, as ever. Let's hope the rain stops p ... persisting down for the duration of our weekend. The roads are quite impossible at the moment!

Yes folks, it's holiday-time, so have a grand (somewhat waterlogged? ) Summer of 2012. For the present, forget study, and have FUN Then come September - or even before then if you like - join us here ... ? We all like the novels of "Dame" Jane here, and sharing your studies or interest with others, will make it lighter work, or even more enjoyable, too. Welcome to any young ladies or gentlemen who would like to join in our

Just move over a bit, Sue - I can't quite over your shoulder comfortably

... only a few more days, fans, till "River of Destiny" is unleashed! How do those lucky people who preview books before they're published get the job?! I did have the book on request at the local Library, but in the end couldn't wait till it would have got to me, so I've got it on pre-order now. Also - I find with most of Barbara's books I have the urge to read though once at-the-gallop, and then go back for at least one more read through at a more civilised pace, so I'd resent having to give it back again. In the case of "Times Legacy" I'm on a loop!

I have to admit - I was drawn to start the series as a thirty-something adult! For that very reason, I think enjoyed it far more than I would've done as a youngster. Youngsters are (we hope) not as jaded as adults, and accept the fun and the "magic" of life as natural, On the other hand, for an adult who has experienced some of the knocks of living, a reminder of that magic and that a lot is possible with focus and effort, can re-open that special world which we tend to close down to, as we get older, and life gets a bit harder. Hang on to your copies, Hananah - you might need them as you gain wrinkles! What do the other "mature" starters of the series think?

I've just bought a box set of the H.P. novels, after giving the ones I had away months ago, with the promise that "one day" I'd get them on Kindle. Still not got the Kindle - but gave way to temptation when I saw a lovely colourful "kids" set in their own box, this afternoon. The ones I had were the "adult" books - and a very boring dark set of covers they were too. Just because we're big kids "they" seem to think we don't like colours. Amazing the difference it can make. My first time of reading was with the kids version novels and I really enjoyed the experience. Then I bought a set of my own in adult backs, and somehow they seemed to lack something, Those boring covers seemed to make them feel like boring books, and I didn't enjoy them as much. So - my rash act today was the big kid in me speaking out - ? I honour her, and we'll both enjoy joining Harry and friends through their journeys, again!

Carrying on with the Ceri Norman chat - her next novel "Serpents Mound" is due out tomorrow! I've got it on order and am awaiting the postie's tread every morning, as usually they come bit earlier from online sources. If it's half as good as her first - "Celtic Maidens" - it'll be well worth a bar of wholenut chocolate to add to the enjoyment. Anyone planning to get it? (or Celtic Maidens)? and - what kind of chocolate do you choose?

Do try to get to "Gone" Avid Reader - it's always good to read the book of a film. Good as the film version is, it leaves out quite a bit of detail, and brings with it a closer connection to the transformation of Scarlett from dependent decoration, to independent and mature survivor. Isn't it a pity that Sean Connery isn't a few decades younger? He'd have made a great Rhett ... that dangerous streak he brought to James Bond would work a treat.

Hi Chrissy, thank Crunchie it's Friday, eh? A bit of weekend - and extra book time, ahead! Thanks for all the tips, folks .... what were some of your favourite parts, then? It's amazing how even fiction books (very underrated by some) can have quite an effect on the readers. Did anyone else see the "Warhorse" itself saluting the Queen at the London Thames flotilla? It almost brought a tear to my eye .... aren't I a big softie?!

Hi Leoella - There's always the upcoming new "Erskine" novel "River of Destiny" which I'm a-twitch about already ... not long to go, gang! Also, I'm very fond of Ceri Norman whose first novel "Celtic Maidens" was a very enjoyable read. Same kind of present/past lives idea, but a much different writer from Barbara, and in some parts very funny, too. Her second, "Serpent's Mound" is soon to be published, and I've got my eye on it with interest. Back to Erskine - and one day less to go!

The clue is in the title, folks - I'm on the hunt for novels where horses get a share of the action Although I don't ride myself, I've been a lover of horses since childhood, but for some reason have never come across many novels featuring them - apart from "Black Beauty" (Anna Sewell), and "The Little White Horse" (Elizabeth Goudge) both dearly-loved from w-a-y back then. Yes, I know Dick Francis has written loads, but ideally I'd like to try something where murder doesn't figure large ... So - if you have any favourites. let me know about them here, will you? Thanks, good neigh-bours

Pansy?? Good Grief - what a disaster that would have been! The name "Scarlett" itself describes our heroine perfectly - passionate, dominant, un-ignorable ... perfect for her nature.

Another goodie from the White Eagle library - "The Best of White Eagle" is a wonderful "taster" of the range of the teachings available from this special spirit guide. Extracts from all his work so far which can be read individually, or from beginning to end forming connected guidance for any seeker - or a refresher course for an established follower. Best of all, each extract has the original book source mentioned, so if one particular section rings true with you - you can then get the book and go more deeply into that angle. A valuable addition to your spiritual collection.

Yes Devi - starting at the beginning of Barbara's work is best. That way you can grow with her, through the rest of her fantastic novels. My own special favourite is "Child of the Phoenix" which is entirely historical, and never fails to fascinate me no matter how often I return to it (all the rest swop between past and present times and lives) , but her latest - "Time's Legacy" - is a close second. Plus - it's time to get your requests in at your local libraries, or pre-orders, fans, for her soon-to-be-published "River of Destiny" due out in July. Looking forward to some enjoyable over the Summer-time.

Good to hear that P. G. Wodehouse is popular, even yet! My Dad used to love his "Jeeves and Wooster" series, and I've read a few of them myself. They're really great laugh-out-loud novels, and I'll get a few more to keep on hand for when I need a giggle. Eventually, I hope to get around to the rest of his work. So many books - so little time.