Booknutt

Hi Steve - It's good to hear from you, on this topic. I've read a bit of Colin Fry and Tony Stockwell myself, and found them very interesting. If there are any ones in particular which impressed you, you're welcome to share details and any comments with us here, Steve. It's what this topic is all about - the more spiritual-type books, the better.

The series will keep you going nicely for a few months, Kidsmum It's actually pretty good too to come "late" to a great series - there's none of that annoying waiting for the next one to be published.

Agreed, Ragean - we wait hopefully for the penny to drop with those in power. I spotted a copy of "Cross Stitch" the other day in a charity shop locally, and couldn't help snaffling it. It's been years since I started this series, but it drew me in at once, and I enjoyed the first 3. For some reason I've missed quite a few of them after that. So now - I've got all the fun of looking forward to catching up on this fantastic series.

Hi Ptashka - It's certainly worth that little bit of trouble, for even the best charity shops often don't have what you'll be fancying as a "read" - but your Library almost certainly will - or be able to get it for you for much less. I'll be off to mine tomorrow. I watched the Da Vinci Code movie last night, and it reminded me what a fascinating "read" this novel is!

Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens Tess of the D'urbervilles by Thomas Hardy Passion (W.H.) Chills and growth lessons (C.C.) and - the beauties (and ugliness) of Nature and human nature (Tess)

Hi Sue - Yes - it's interesting that there's scope for a sequel to "Time's Legacy" isn't it? I hope our Barbara takes up the story again, as I'd be curious about the outworkings of the lives of the main characters, too. Not to mention fascinated with more of Keir's "time-travels". I've just realised I've done an oops! previously, Sue - it's "Warrior's Princess" I'm nearly finished currently, (the following novel to "Daughter's of Fire")but regardless of this human's error a great "read" even if visited before. When I read "Whispers in the Sand" I seemed to be aware of exotic scents ... all the mix of wonderful aromas from flowers, oils, spices etc., so much part of daily life back then. I'm sure I had a past life in ancient Egypt, y'know

I loved "Angels in my Hair", Talisman, and have just returned to my local Library "Stairways to Heaven" today. If possible - I liked it even more, as Lorna's faith in her Angel friends is so complete and natural, and the wonderful help she is to embodied people and the folks in Spirit is so encouraging for us all, too. There are also some very profound and necessary messages there, about our world and her peoples, and her future. Thanks for your suggestion too, Paun. Actually, I think it's quite important that we never fully agree with the beliefs which draw us - we are individuals, not clones, and expressing our own thoughts and feelings should be allowed within a faith belief, and is actually a healthy thing, too. Another one for me to look up.

"Angels in my Hair" by Lorna Byrne This autobiography tells of the childhood and growing up of Lorna - who has seen and talked to Angels all her life. Because this connection distracted her from daily interaction with the people around her, Lorna was cruelly (and without proper assessment) classed as "retarded" as a small child. With this book, she proves that wrong. Lorna may see everyday life with a clarity that few of us possess as we get drawn into life's complications, and forget to look at a "bigger picture", but her views are true and very wise - and guided by God, through her Angel friends. Lorna grew up to earn her own living, drive a car, marry, and bring up 4 children (in the latter years as a widow) and is currently a successful author, and proud grandmother. Quite a few people classed as "normal" haven't done as much. This is a story from the heart, to touch the heart, and well worth reading. "Stairways to Heaven" by Lorna Byrne This second autiobiography takes us further into Lorna's relationship with God and her Angels, as she travels the world to promote her successful first book, and along the way brings us important messages regarding the future of the world, and what we can do to help ourselves, and our planet. Lorna's personal faith in her Angels and their care is total - as she recounts, when she handed her own life, and that of her ill small daughter over to them, when both lived alone in an isolated and unfinished home, and were brought to safety by her Angel friends. A second straight-from-the-heart bestseller, with important messages for us all. NB - if you don't want to buy these books - ask for them at your local Public Library. You'll be doing dozens or maybe even hundreds of people a favour as the benefits spread, through bringing them into stock.

Thanks for adding "The Barbarian Way" to the thread, Puan. It sounds the sort of thing I might be interested in myself, as in the past I have found the restrictions placed on members by traditional Christian Churches quite uncomfortable. I'll look it up. We human beings do tend to make things complicated, and surround ourselves with rules. I'm not against rules as regards the general run of life, but faith is a very personal thing, isn't it? I'm adding today two books which have touched me deeply, and I hope will do the same for others, whether they believe in Angels - or not. Pop back to visit whenever you're passing, Paun.

I thought that Keir (a man of God) was a great modern-day "baddie" in "Times Legacy", SueK. It was quite unnerving how his obsession with "saving" Abi led to his determined stalking of her around the countryside but all worked out well for him in the end, as he became comfortable at last with his wonderful spiritual gift, and an opening was left for an interesting future ahead ... I think I'll re-read "Hiding from the Light" next (at present I'm deep into "Warriors Daughter") and am happily allowing myself to submerge further into B.E. novels - after all, it's no chore! The good thing about re-reads I find, is that I'm safe in the knowledge of the final "fate" of my favourite character/s, can enjoy the story more, and notice things I hadn't before. In "Hiding's" case ... Min and Max come out of it just fine, and as I'm sure they are reincarnations of the two cats cruelly killed in historic times, and that's doubly pleasing. O.K. ... I admit it ... I'm a big softie. I worried about the dogs in TL. too!

My vote would be for "Jamaica" L.R. Mary Yellan (our heroine) is a bit more feisty than the not-even-named 2nd Mrs De Winter. I do like "Rebecca" too, but got a little impatient with the heroine's lack of backbone and gullibility, when she first arrived at the house. She did get better, though - when Max needed her - in her own quiet way.

I've slipped into a bit of an Erskine-obsession over the past few weeks and have re-read - for the umpteenth time - "Lady of Hay" this time in the 25 year anniversary version, with the additional short story updating things at the end. My feelings are very mixed about that sad little story ... and there's still no firm "happy-type ending" to the story of Jo, Nick, and their child of divorced parents living in separate countries (Harry) either. It felt unfinished ... what do you others think? Also - I do think the publishers/printers could have corrected the quite-a-few type-ohs and spelling mistakes strewn throughout the original novel. Wasn't B.E. supposed to have re-read the novel herself? Surely somebody could have noticed - or maybe that would have involved too much expense to the "business" people involved? Sarcasm aside ( ) it's still the great "read" it always was. Or ... What do you think?

... but you might be kidnapped by the smugglers, Kylie - either spirits of the old ones, or modern "bad guys" Hmm ... decisions, decisions!

The "atmosphere" of a Library is it's own special one, isn't it BB? I always find myself relaxing quickly, in mine. and, of course - even "Kindle" books have to be bought but Library books are still free

Have you tried making a "request" for books in English LittleW? Most Libraries go to great effort to get a book - even if they have to borrow it from somewhere else in the country, like a college, maybe.Some can borrow books from even outside of our countries!. They might take a bit of time to get to you, but would be worth the wait. Or maybe they have a list of all books in English available for borrowing, around your country? You mightn't get exactly what you're looking for - but you might also find some other interesting choices available. It's worth asking.

It makes good sense, Janet. Even £1.75 is lots cheaper than an average of £7.99 to buy a new book, or even £5(?) online. I've currently got "Lady of the Rivers" the upcoming new Phillipa Gregory historical novel on order at my Library. In just-published hardback, it's pretty pricy (£18.99 or a bit less online) but for a £1 request fee, it'll be a great treat. Have happy hours in there Janet, choosing your next "reads" and chatting about them to fellow bookworms ... another bonus of using Libraries.

"Jamaica" has always been a favourite of mine, too. That Jem Merlyn ... what a loveable rogue he is! - and wouldn't we all just love to be whisked off by him, to an uncertain (but exciting) future ...

Isn't anyone out there a spiritually-inclined book which is really "talking" to them? Come and tell us about it - we need a , here.

Taking a break from my current Elizabeth Chadwick obsession with an old Erskine favourite of mine "Child of the Phoenix". It's a wonderful epic tale of Eleyne Welsh princess, and eventually the mother of a royal line. "Eleyne" is also a composite character - based on facts known about B.E.'s own family ancestor, and those of another historical character she may (or may not) also be. All is revealed - as far as possible - in the author's own words, at the back of the book. Just to add that unmistakable "Erskine touch" Eleyne is clairvoyant, originally destined by a Druid to serve the Mother Goddess, but Fate takes a hand, and she follows a different life-path, untrained in the proper use of her "gift", and much at it's mercy. This is B.E.'s only entirely historical novel, which I think is a shame. Her past/current life work is always at least good, but this "doorstep" of a novel absorbed me completely on the first reading, and many "reads" later still works it's magic.

Hiya Erskine-fans You'll enjoy House of Echoes all the more when you finally get to it, Weave ... putting your feet up after all that work! Lynb - I agree - although I've always enjoyed all Barbara's books to some degree, Time's Legacy is a refreshing change of angle. There's something to be learned in all her books though, even the "samey" ones. Have you tried Hiding from the Light? I enjoyed that, and it's quite deliciously spooky!

Yes - sometimes we need to let an author have a bit of licence, don't we LittleW? In theory, it is possible to change "history" not that I'm prepared to get into the heavy subject of quantum mechanics, time lines, different realities etc., here! But of course it can't be done casually, as even a small change would probably wipe out millions of people who might otherwise have been born or existed, and everything they were connected with. Of course - that's the beauty of a novel, for in such a world it can be done without harm - again and again. Don't let it spoil your pleasure in the series though, it's still a riveting "read." I'm glad you're happier with the chats you've had here, LittleW. It it can happen that some folks get a bit insistent in stating their opinions. I think it's actually quite a commonproblem nowadays. We tend to feel that someone not agreeing with us is an insult, when actually there is no offence intended. We're all entitled to our opinions, but sometimes a bit of restraint with someone who might not actually see something "our" way, is the better choice. For we all join these forums to enjoy ourselves, don't we? A little off-subject, but "magic" themed, as the Sevenwaters series is ... I'm really pleased with a bargain I spotted, today. All but two of the "Harry Potter" series (5 books of the 7 book series), brand new, for £5 (about half the price of one novel) in a local Charity Shop. I've actually read it before, but am looking forward to getting back into it again over the Winter (at present we're still in Summer, here in Britain) I love gathering up series of novels and making them reading projects over our dark Winter days, so this makes a fantastic start to my cold-weather collection. I do love it when such treats present themselves in my life. It feels literally Heaven-sent - and this Booknutt is pleased to oblige! Happy reading LittleW, and everyone else.

Hi Chrissy - Sorry about the delay in replying - for some reason I wasn't notified about your response, and I've been keen to discuss this book with another living soul! Have you had a chance to get to it? By the way - I accompanied my "read" with a bar of chocolate! What the heck - that's why "indulgences" are so-called. If you haven't it yet, it'd be a good 'un to take on summer holiday. Yes?

I think you'd find J.A.'s letters quite interestng, Deliah. I do understand why her sister Cassandra destroyed many of the more personal ones, in order to protect Austen's privacy. Given Austen-mania even nowadays, it was a wise thing to do. But the availble few that are left still have much of the "Jane" in them that we'd love to know better. Life was so restricting for women back then in the days of Austen/Bronte. Writing was often the only real means of self expression a free-spirited female had. I think modern women should all read a few of such novels - or factual information. Despite a few drawbacks still - we've never had it so good!

Welcome to the forum, Little W. Isn't it great to share our interest in books between countries, through the internet? Juliet Marillier certainly sounds like a good suggestion for your "to be read" list, as her stories deal with the personal challenges of certain members of the Sevenwaters family, and don't get bogged down in factual detail. Each novel is the memories of a member of the next generation of the family, and can be read separately, or as part of a family history. Yes - I agree with you - novels are a much more interesting way to read about historical times, and nowadays, thanks to the "magic" of the internet, the factual details along the way are very accurate, too. I like Diana Gabaldon too, and I must re-read her Outlander or "Cross Stitch" series, as we Brits know it. Maybe over this Winter? She's done such a good job in fact, that sometimes it's uncomfortable for the modern reader, used to our more civilised societies. Ken Follet is good too. I loved his "Pillar of the Earth". The T.V. version was a bit different from the book, but still enjoyable viewing, and through either, of course, we can learn easily about how thngs were done "back then". Enjoy your reading, whatever your next choice is, Little W. I'm sure we'll meet again, around the the topics.

Hiya gang - nice to have a chat about our favourite obsession again! Yes, Delilah - I heard that too, about Charlotte not thinking much of Austen novels - but of course, we're talking about two completely different natures here, and that shows in their work, don't you think? One of the things I love about reading in general, especially if reading the entire works of a particular author is that I also get to "know" another person, the author themselves, as each author puts "themselves" into their work. I love Wuthering Heights too - but I need to be careful about choosing when to read it, for I can find the passion and angst quite emotionally draining. (That's not a criticism, by the way, CB herself was an openly passionate character, which was actually quite shocking in a woman, in those days) JA, to be "acceptable" to the social requirements of her earlier time, was more subtle, using all the romantic tricks to build her blossoming relationship between two characters - each feisty in their own way. Carry on with that re-reading habit, Hyzen I do a lot of it too, and my favourite books never lose their interest - and each time, I learn or see somethng I'd never noticed before, too. "One read and I'm done" people don't know the fun they're missing.