Yes Miranda-I too, have an aversion to reading about illness or hospitals in stories (or any medical dramas!!), so that’s why I love all your book recommendations because the content is so far removed from that type of thing. But I’m so glad your Mum is fine-thank you (and she) for sharing this good news. X
Lovely selection Miranda thanks! And thanks for mentioning the size of print being very small. This differs so much and its good to be told so kindle can be chosen instead if necessary. Very few reviewers seem to bother about this but as one gets older……. So glad your Mum is ok. Shaky times so sending you every good wish. Thanks again for the recommendations.
I can never watch your videos without buying a book or two or putting yet another book on my TBR list which is already groaning. Lovely TH-cam channel.
So sorry to hear that your mum suffered with breast cancer but glad she is all okay now. Barbara Pym is the writer I always go to for comfort, love her books! I love the Dean Street Press releases too so will keep an eye out for The Swiss Summer. I think the Margaret Kennedy memoir sounds the most appealing to me - I find anything from either of the world wars helps me get my own personal troubles in proportion!
Thank you very much! The Dean Street Press / Furrowed Middlebrow books are so good! I’m looking forward to getting properly stuck in to The Swiss Summer. Glad to have a vote in for the Margaret Kennedy; I am pretty keen to read that one! Xxx
I’m so glad Donna received good news at her checkup, and I can certainly understand your feelings on hospitals. The Eternal Season sounds good to me, so that would be my choice for a non fiction book.the cover on the Laura Wood book is gorgeous . So many of the books you mentioned interest me, which is usually what happens when I watch your videos 😊 Cozy mysteries are palate cleansers for me or what I consider comfort reads. Statues in a Garden intrigues me, simply the title alone draws me in. I also was drawn in by your earrings and the beautiful ring on your left hand. Thank you for sharing all these wonderful books with us💕
I'm having a wonderful time listening to The Wind in the Willows on Audible - there's a real languid, summery calmness to it that is just perfect for the current heat. I've just finished War and Peace so I'm craving easy reads x
I’ve just read Coming Home by Rosamunde Pilcher which has such lovely descriptions of Cornwall. I am now starting North and South by Gaskell which is so very different, but wonderful all the same! ❤️
That Latetia Clark cook book looks so beautiful, one that deserves to be on display! I don’t own any Susan Branch books yet but I’ve been reading her blog for many years andI love how she makes you appreciate the seasons even more! Enjoy your summer reading ☀️📚 🫖 !
Hi Miranda, bit late to the video but thoroughly enjoyed your choices and glad to hear Donna's check up went well (I would definitely not read the hospital book just now). My plan for summer reading is to start Lucinda Riley's series of books about the mythology of the constellation Pleiades in the constellation of Taurus (my birth sign) which starts with The Seven Sisters, six of whom are gathering at their childhood home, a fabulous secluded castle situated on the shores of Lake Geneva. Thank you for sharing your plans with us and I hope you have a wonderful summer of reading, Teresa 🌞📚
Enjoyed the video and the book suggestions. Agree that hospital ,er based books need to be on shelves during summer , a no -no during winter and untouched in spring 😊. Will check out D du mauriers F .creek .Am loving her My cousin Rachel. Wishing you and your mom the best health 👍
Hello Miranda! What interesting TBR list! I also don't like reading about illnesses or books set up in hospitals. Barbara Pym is always a great option to have fun. Cheers!
So glad to hear that your mom's scan was clear! I know just what you mean about palate cleansers. I finished The Mayor of Casterbridge by Thomas Hardy recently and my next book was a children's historical fiction mystery book. I have 18 books on my summer TBR, one of which is The Swiss Summer! I like having a big list and then choosing from it on a whim. I do want to start The Count of Monte Cristo on August 1 for the "dog days" of summer. I've heard so many people talk about what a compelling story it is. Thank you for sharing your list! So many good ideas. I would be torn between the Where Stands a Winged Sentry and The Eternal Season. I think I would lean more towards nature writing myself.
Thanks so much, Elizabeth! It is fun to have a big stack of books to choose from! It's been a very long time since I read the Count of Monte Cristo, but I do remember loving it. Hope you've got a summer full of good reading! xxx
Recently found your IG and now your YT. Absolutely love it. I don't read this type of genre but I LOVE the movies. Planning to read one of the books you talked about to see if I enjoy them.
I picked up Dear Mrs Bird at the library today so looking forward to starting that. I’m also listening to The Shell Seekers on Audible. So pleased to hear your mum had good news following her scan.
Welcome back, and thank you for the great video. I have just read The Feast too, and so enjoyed it. I'm definitely going to try several of your suggestions here. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on hospital settings for books, I am with you on this. So pleased that your mum has received good results.
I rarely read books about hospitals or illness there’s enough in real life.my brother and I are ready buddies and we both avoid these type of books.Margaret Kennedy’s memoir sounds like a perfect non fiction read will be ordering.Loved your summer reading video so many delicious suggestions.So glad your mothers got a clean bill of health.💕
You look so lovely in this video Miranda. What a beautiful dress and gorgeous earrings. I've read just a few of the books you've mentioned, and like you I particularly love Frenchman's Creek. My mum's family are Cornish, and I love reading books set there 😊.
You always give me a suggestion or two which I love! I’ve also got Mexican Gothic to read and have got The Feast on Audible as I do a lot of driving and like to have my next book ready. Currently listening to Light Perpetual which I am loving 🥰
Loved your introduction to this vlog, Miranda and your description of the palate cleanser - brilliant. I would definitely go for the Margaret Kennedy memoir out of your choice of non-fiction. Her novels are so good and I always enjoy reading about Home Front experiences. Looking down the comments this seems to be the popular choice! I've just started a vintage read - Pamela Frankau's Sing for Your Supper which is split across 3 sections: July, August and September. Only a few pages in, so not sure, yet, if I'd recommend it! I've recently got the 2 Charmian Clift books that have just been reissued and looking forward to doing some vicarious travel in the Greek Islands - to make up for missing out on a European holiday for another year! The Isabel Colegate book is on my TBR pile, hoping to get to it soon. Happy reading, Miranda!
Thanks so much for your kind words and thoughts, Lindsey! The MK book does seem to be the winner. All your summer reading plans sound so interesting too xxx
I love what you call a "palate cleanser" book. I have noticed a trend in my reading which is essentially the "cleanse" in between heavier or more challenging reads. I just finished a Miss Read book which I've read several times, but I needed it as a cleanser! I love your idea of seasonal reading and would like to have a little more of a plan. At this point, I tend to go with whatever strikes my fancy at the moment. I'm really happy to hear the good news about your mom!
Glad to hear your Mum's ok 😊 I'm just trying to squeeze in as many reads as possible at the moment before my degree starts and reading for pleasure goes on the back burner!
Enjoyed the vlog. My goodness that's a long list. I'm waiting for The Feast to arrive. Can't wait. Since I've been watching your channel I've been getting Dean Street Press here and there. Just finished a Molly Clavering 📚 so good I ordered more of hers. So thank you for your recommendations. I look forward to seeing your choices every week. And that is wonderful news about your mom. My very best wishes to you both. 💕💐
I can understand your reluctance to read about hospitals. I love the cover design of Devorgilla Days but flashbacks to surgery etc would not appeal to me either. I imagine a huge wave of relief washing over you and your lovely Mum when the results of her latest check came through. My vote for your non fiction choice would be Where Stands the Winged Sentry. I too have just finished The Feast and really enjoyed it. I thought the structure was so clever, and the way she gradually revealed more and more of the characters and manipulated the reader's emotions was very clever. I wished there had been another couple of chapters though, I felt it ended very abruptly! I have Nigella's Forever Summer too, I really must dig it out again! How to be a Domestic Goddess is another of hers that I just loved at the time. That iconic cover, absolutely amazing, and I think changed peoples' attitude to home baking quite profoundly. In fact I would make the suggestion that Bake Off would not have existed without that book! X
Lovely selection of books. I'm more of a seasonal and mood reader but I do plan some books, mostly the classics. At the beginning of the year I write down the classics I'd like to read that year, but then my mood dictates which ones on the list I pick up at any specific time. The rest, and the bulk of my reading, are mostly mood reads, or books I hear about that seem appealing at that particular time (such as books I see on your channel,lol). I DO the "palate cleansing" reads too! lol Presently, I'm reading "Clarissa" by Samuel Richardson and "The Hunting Party" by Lucy Foley (which I saw in one of your videos). Loving both of them! What I'd like to improve is my journal writing on the books I read. I've bought a couple of very nice journals, but I write very sporadically in them. I'd like to get into the habit of writing more because I think one day it would be fun and interesting to look back on those journals and read my thoughts on the books I read.
Hi Margarida! Living here in Nebraska where Willa Cather spent her young years & wrote, I felt the need to remind you that her book is called A Lost Lady, rather than Woman. I have read all of her books & many short stories, & I’m sure you will enjoy her work immensely! An excellent author & Nobel Prize winner for One Of Ours. Happy reading! 📚👓
@@christinefortner7725 Hello, Christine! You are absolutely right, the book is called A Lost Lady, my bad. :) But now, it is me who feels the need to remind you that Willa didn't win the Nobel Prize for One of Ours, but the Pulitzer Prize. Thank you and happy reading!
Touche’! Now it’s my turn to be bad! I even looked that up before I responded to make sure of my facts & definitely envisioned Nobel for Pulitzer. Let’s keep this just between you & me! Lol! Hope ur having a wonderful weekend, Margarida…🌹
@@christinefortner7725 Sorry, Christine, but the Nobel Prize is awarded to an author and his body of work, not to a specific book, and I'm afraid Willa Cather never won it. Moreover, many of her contemporaries, like Hemingway, and critics thought the book overrated despite being a best seller. Happy reading!
Hi Miranda, that's excellent news about your Mum's check-up - thanks for sharing. I know what you mean if a book's been intense and you need a palette cleanser. I've just bought The Feast and am looking forward to it - thanks for the recommendation. Hope you're managing to keep cool in the heat! x
Miranda, I had a similar experience re: a good book coming along at the wrong time. Over Easter 2009, my mother had a stroke, and every book I came across was about loss, illness, etc. In the end, I read the Twilight series because: 1) my cousin owned the books (and I was only visiting and was bereft of books) 2) they were completely escapist. I cannot say that they were great reads, but it was what my mind could handle at the time.
Hi Miranda. Out of the three non-fiction books I think you could choose, ‘Where Stands a Winged Sentry’ by Margaret Kennedy. Firstly, it’s thin enough to be read in a short period of time, and secondly you spoke highly of Margaret Kennedy’s book, ‘The Feast‘. Knowing who Margaret was, as a person, would be interesting, to see if her personal life influenced her stories. I just want to comment, that your flowers are beautiful, as is the vase. It reminds me of the flowers from a book you spoke highly about ages ago called, ‘Field of Flowers’ by Chelsea Fuss. I did buy this book, as a result of your vlog. It is a really beautiful book. On my TBR (and thanks to your recommendation a few vlogs back) is, ‘The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society’ by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows’. I bought it second hand on eBay and received it last week. I’m just finishing off ‘Anne of Green Gables’ by L.M. Montgomery. A book I never read as a child, but watched the 1985 movie version multiple times. Thank you once again for another enjoyable 📚
I'm definitely keen to get to he MK book very soon! And you make a very good point that it's a slim read 😃 So glad you enjoyed Chelsea's book too - it is beautiful! It sounds like you've got some lovely reading ahead xxx
So glad to hear the good news about your mom 💕and what a wonderful selection! I have just ordered 2: Frenchman's Creek and The Country of Others. I completely agree with you about the palate cleanser! I always need to decompress after reading heavy ou more serious novels. I normally turn to Agatha Christie 📚🌸
Hello again, I enjoyed this so much and want to look into reading some of your choices. I would like you to choose the summer nature book for your nonfiction choice, it sounds so interesting and maybe you’ll learn something new as well. Thank you.
I have been reading a lot of Nancy Mitford lately in preparation for the release of The Pursuit of Love mini series...I love all of your recommendations and put them on my To Read list! Thanks so much for a wonderful video!
I would love to hear about the Margaret Kennedy book the most out of your non-fiction choices. I love reading books that take place during WWII and it would be nice to hear about someone's memories of it. I have not read any of her books yet. I also can't read sickness and hospital books and knew I wouldn't read it as soon as you said what it was about.
Winged Sentry is really good. I read it years ago but didn't own it so had to buy the beautiful Handheld Press edition. You've also inspired me to get the Frenchman's Creek audio book. Is John Castle the narrator? I always think of him as the detective in the Joan Hickson version of A Murder is Announced. I read FC as a teenager many years ago and loved it. I would also recommend the audio book of King's General by DDM read by Juliet Stevenson. Enjoy your summer reading. It's the middle of winter here (Melbourne) and we're back in lockdown but books are always a comfort.
I forgot to mention that I just finished reading A Long Way from Chicago by Richard Peck. It is a middle grade book and I enjoyed it so much. It is about two children who go to spend a week with their rather wroodsy grandmother during the depression. Very funny and heartwarming.
You should definitely read Where Stands a Winged Sentry by Margaret Kennedy. It sounds really interesting. Enjoy your summer reads, its big pile but an exciting one for you as well. Take care Miranda x
Thank you for sharing your summer reads. I will make a note in my to be read list. I have just finished Falling by Elizabeth Jane Howard. Loved it and also Away with the Penguins by Hazel prior. Since I started watching you u tube channel I have learned such a lot and find my reading choices are much more informed.
I don’t like reading about illness as well … so I fully understand …. I haven’t read daphne du maurier but I do have Rebecca here to read …. I enjoyed this video and glad to hear your mum is ok 💞💞. …. 📚💞📚
The concept in the book by Kiran Desai (a recluse deciding to live in a tree) reminds me of "The Baron in the Tree" by Italo Calvino! Have you read that as well?
I hate hospital stuff too and I avoid the msm and the main tv channels. You help me remember to read books! I'm currently reading The City of Tears by Kate Mosse, it's set in France in the 16th century.
Wonderful suggestions as always! As you love “Blitz Lit”, I wonder if you’ve read “Shake Down the Stars” by Frances Donnelly? I found it so absorbing and moving but find very little about it online! Would love your opinion - is it an overlooked treasure?
Devorgilla Days: Completely with you on books on illness but if you are after real fun do read Shaun Bythell’s books on keeping the biggest bookshop in Wigtown. You and your mum will definitely want to visit Wigtown and you’re reasonably close.
Your videos are so lovely and I especially love your flowers. I'm a lot like you Miranda, in that I don't enjoy reading books about illnesses and hospitals for various reasons. Thank goodness your Mom's scan came back all good.
I am rereading the Jalna series by Mazo de la Roche. Have you read these? I read these decades ago, and am enjoying this family saga set mostly in Canada. Thank you for the personal take on anxiety and subject matter. I think many of us share this!
@@MirandaMills Although they are set in Canada, there is a real English feel to them. They are available on Hoopla, and I suggest starting with the first one published, Jalna. Donna may love these!
My vote goes to the Margaret Kennedy, because I love books about that period - my parents met in Italy, both British soldiers in the 2nd World war, so I owe my life to that conflict!!
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Thank you Miranda. Because of you i started to read books again❤
That's so lovely to hear - thank you! xxx
Thank you for the lovely suggestions. I loved the illustrations in the Susan Branch's book! ...
I love her artwork too! She's so talented 😊
Yes Miranda-I too, have an aversion to reading about illness or hospitals in stories (or any medical dramas!!), so that’s why I love all your book recommendations because the content is so far removed from that type of thing.
But I’m so glad your Mum is fine-thank you (and she) for sharing this good news. X
Thank you very much! It was such a relief to get good news! ❤️ Xxx
Lovely selection Miranda thanks! And thanks for mentioning the size of print being very small. This differs so much and its good to be told so kindle can be chosen instead if necessary. Very few reviewers seem to bother about this but as one gets older……. So glad your Mum is ok. Shaky times so sending you every good wish. Thanks again for the recommendations.
Thank you so much for your good wishes Pamela! Even I find the print in this one quite tiny, so the kindle option is probably a good idea! Xxx
I can never watch your videos without buying a book or two or putting yet another book on my TBR list which is already groaning. Lovely TH-cam channel.
Thank you so much; that's lovely of you to say! xxx
So sorry to hear that your mum suffered with breast cancer but glad she is all okay now. Barbara Pym is the writer I always go to for comfort, love her books! I love the Dean Street Press releases too so will keep an eye out for The Swiss Summer. I think the Margaret Kennedy memoir sounds the most appealing to me - I find anything from either of the world wars helps me get my own personal troubles in proportion!
Thank you very much! The Dean Street Press / Furrowed Middlebrow books are so good! I’m looking forward to getting properly stuck in to The Swiss Summer. Glad to have a vote in for the Margaret Kennedy; I am pretty keen to read that one! Xxx
@@MirandaMills I couldn't remember the name of the Furrowed Middlebrow series! Reading them is like having a hug from a book!
So true! ❤️
I’m so glad Donna received good news at her checkup, and I can certainly understand your feelings on hospitals. The Eternal Season sounds good to me, so that would be my choice for a non fiction book.the cover on the Laura Wood book is gorgeous . So many of the books you mentioned interest me, which is usually what happens when I watch your videos 😊 Cozy mysteries are palate cleansers for me or what I consider comfort reads. Statues in a Garden intrigues me, simply the title alone draws me in. I also was drawn in by your earrings and the beautiful ring on your left hand. Thank you for sharing all these wonderful books with us💕
Thank you very much! I'm definitely intrigued by both Statues in a Garden and Eternal Season too! 😊 xxx
I'm having a wonderful time listening to The Wind in the Willows on Audible - there's a real languid, summery calmness to it that is just perfect for the current heat. I've just finished War and Peace so I'm craving easy reads x
I have The Wind in the Willows on Audible and love it too! Hope you enjoy the video xxx
@@MirandaMills just watching it now with a glass of white. Bliss!
I’ve just read Coming Home by Rosamunde Pilcher which has such lovely descriptions of Cornwall. I am now starting North and South by Gaskell which is so very different, but wonderful all the same! ❤️
Two favourite books of mine as well! 📚❤️
That Latetia Clark cook book looks so beautiful, one that deserves to be on display! I don’t own any Susan Branch books yet but I’ve been reading her blog for many years andI love how she makes you appreciate the seasons even more! Enjoy your summer reading ☀️📚 🫖 !
It is a stunner of a cookbook! Susan Branch is so talented 💫
Hi Miranda, bit late to the video but thoroughly enjoyed your choices and glad to hear Donna's check up went well (I would definitely not read the hospital book just now). My plan for summer reading is to start Lucinda Riley's series of books about the mythology of the constellation Pleiades in the constellation of Taurus (my birth sign) which starts with The Seven Sisters, six of whom are gathering at their childhood home, a fabulous secluded castle situated on the shores of Lake Geneva. Thank you for sharing your plans with us and I hope you have a wonderful summer of reading, Teresa 🌞📚
Thanks so much Teresa! I’m intrigued by that Lucinda Riley book; I love ones set in Switzerland! Thank you for the recommendation 📚💕 xxx
I have read the first one, I plan on moving onto the second one soon.
I’m glad your mum’s check up was good! Great book reads. I’m inspired once again🥀
Thank you so much! 📚 💖
Enjoyed the video and the book suggestions. Agree that hospital ,er based books need to be on shelves during summer , a no -no during winter and untouched in spring 😊. Will check out D du mauriers F .creek .Am loving her My cousin Rachel. Wishing you and your mom the best health 👍
Thanks very much! My Cousin Rachel is such a brilliant book - utterly compelling! Xxx
Hello Miranda! What interesting TBR list! I also don't like reading about illnesses or books set up in hospitals. Barbara Pym is always a great option to have fun. Cheers!
Thank you Julia! Always glad to hear from another Pym fan 😊 Hope you’re having a good week xxx
I have read three Barbara Pym books over the last few months.
You look so beautiful Miranda darling! Another few books to add to my booklist- thank you!! Lovely video xx
Thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed it 😊
So glad to hear that your mom's scan was clear! I know just what you mean about palate cleansers. I finished The Mayor of Casterbridge by Thomas Hardy recently and my next book was a children's historical fiction mystery book. I have 18 books on my summer TBR, one of which is The Swiss Summer! I like having a big list and then choosing from it on a whim. I do want to start The Count of Monte Cristo on August 1 for the "dog days" of summer. I've heard so many people talk about what a compelling story it is. Thank you for sharing your list! So many good ideas. I would be torn between the Where Stands a Winged Sentry and The Eternal Season. I think I would lean more towards nature writing myself.
Thanks so much, Elizabeth! It is fun to have a big stack of books to choose from! It's been a very long time since I read the Count of Monte Cristo, but I do remember loving it. Hope you've got a summer full of good reading! xxx
Rejoicing that Furrowed Middlebrow has reissued books by Molly Clavering. They’re first in line on my shopping list and tbrs.
Yes, that’s such good news! Xxx
Recently found your IG and now your YT. Absolutely love it. I don't read this type of genre but I LOVE the movies. Planning to read one of the books you talked about to see if I enjoy them.
That's great! Thank you very much 😊 xxx
I picked up Dear Mrs Bird at the library today so looking forward to starting that. I’m also listening to The Shell Seekers on Audible. So pleased to hear your mum had good news following her scan.
Both such fantastic reads! I hope you enjoy them. And thank you xxx
Welcome back, and thank you for the great video. I have just read The Feast too, and so enjoyed it. I'm definitely going to try several of your suggestions here. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on hospital settings for books, I am with you on this. So pleased that your mum has received good results.
Thank you very much! We were very relieved. I'm so glad you enjoyed The Feast as well xxx
I rarely read books about hospitals or illness there’s enough in real life.my brother and I are ready buddies and we both avoid these type of books.Margaret Kennedy’s memoir sounds like a perfect non fiction read will be ordering.Loved your summer reading video so many delicious suggestions.So glad your mothers got a clean bill of health.💕
Thank you very much! I’m definitely intrigued by the Kennedy book 😊💕📚
You look so lovely in this video Miranda. What a beautiful dress and gorgeous earrings. I've read just a few of the books you've mentioned, and like you I particularly love Frenchman's Creek. My mum's family are Cornish, and I love reading books set there 😊.
Thank you so much, Emma! I’m having so much fun returning to Frenchman’s Creek again! Xxx
You always give me a suggestion or two which I love! I’ve also got Mexican Gothic to read and have got The Feast on Audible as I do a lot of driving and like to have my next book ready. Currently listening to Light Perpetual which I am loving 🥰
I’m so happy you enjoy my suggestions, thank you! Xxx
Loved your introduction to this vlog, Miranda and your description of the palate cleanser - brilliant. I would definitely go for the Margaret Kennedy memoir out of your choice of non-fiction. Her novels are so good and I always enjoy reading about Home Front experiences. Looking down the comments this seems to be the popular choice! I've just started a vintage read - Pamela Frankau's Sing for Your Supper which is split across 3 sections: July, August and September. Only a few pages in, so not sure, yet, if I'd recommend it! I've recently got the 2 Charmian Clift books that have just been reissued and looking forward to doing some vicarious travel in the Greek Islands - to make up for missing out on a European holiday for another year! The Isabel Colegate book is on my TBR pile, hoping to get to it soon. Happy reading, Miranda!
Thanks so much for your kind words and thoughts, Lindsey! The MK book does seem to be the winner. All your summer reading plans sound so interesting too xxx
I love what you call a "palate cleanser" book. I have noticed a trend in my reading which is essentially the "cleanse" in between heavier or more challenging reads. I just finished a Miss Read book which I've read several times, but I needed it as a cleanser! I love your idea of seasonal reading and would like to have a little more of a plan. At this point, I tend to go with whatever strikes my fancy at the moment. I'm really happy to hear the good news about your mom!
Thank you so much Paula! Miss Read makes the perfect ‘palate cleanser’ 😊📚💕
Glad to hear your Mum's ok 😊 I'm just trying to squeeze in as many reads as possible at the moment before my degree starts and reading for pleasure goes on the back burner!
Thanks so much! Good luck getting through your reading list 📚💫
Enjoyed the vlog. My goodness that's a long list. I'm waiting for The Feast to arrive. Can't wait. Since I've been watching your channel I've been getting Dean Street Press here and there. Just finished a Molly Clavering 📚 so good I ordered more of hers. So thank you for your recommendations. I look forward to seeing your choices every week. And that is wonderful news about your mom. My very best wishes to you both. 💕💐
Thank you so much, Diane! I’m so glad you’re enjoying discovering the Dean Street Press books xxx
I can understand your reluctance to read about hospitals. I love the cover design of Devorgilla Days but flashbacks to surgery etc would not appeal to me either. I imagine a huge wave of relief washing over you and your lovely Mum when the results of her latest check came through.
My vote for your non fiction choice would be Where Stands the Winged Sentry. I too have just finished The Feast and really enjoyed it. I thought the structure was so clever, and the way she gradually revealed more and more of the characters and manipulated the reader's emotions was very clever. I wished there had been another couple of chapters though, I felt it ended very abruptly!
I have Nigella's Forever Summer too, I really must dig it out again! How to be a Domestic Goddess is another of hers that I just loved at the time. That iconic cover, absolutely amazing, and I think changed peoples' attitude to home baking quite profoundly. In fact I would make the suggestion that Bake Off would not have existed without that book! X
Thanks so much, Penny - it was a big relief! So glad you enjoyed The Feast as well! Completely agree re Domestic Goddess xxx
Lovely selection of books. I'm more of a seasonal and mood reader but I do plan some books, mostly the classics. At the beginning of the year I write down the classics I'd like to read that year, but then my mood dictates which ones on the list I pick up at any specific time. The rest, and the bulk of my reading, are mostly mood reads, or books I hear about that seem appealing at that particular time (such as books I see on your channel,lol). I DO the "palate cleansing" reads too! lol Presently, I'm reading "Clarissa" by Samuel Richardson and "The Hunting Party" by Lucy Foley (which I saw in one of your videos). Loving both of them! What I'd like to improve is my journal writing on the books I read. I've bought a couple of very nice journals, but I write very sporadically in them. I'd like to get into the habit of writing more because I think one day it would be fun and interesting to look back on those journals and read my thoughts on the books I read.
Hi, Miranda! This summer I am reading Mansfield Park, Hamnet, Germinal (Zola), A Lost Woman (Cather) and Arsene Lupin (Leblanc). Happy reading!
Sounds great! Happy Reading! xxx
Hi Margarida! Living here in Nebraska where Willa Cather spent her young years & wrote, I felt the need to remind you that her book is called A Lost Lady, rather than Woman. I have read all of her books & many short stories, & I’m sure you will enjoy her work immensely! An excellent author & Nobel Prize winner for One Of Ours. Happy reading! 📚👓
@@christinefortner7725 Hello, Christine! You are absolutely right, the book is called A Lost Lady, my bad. :) But now, it is me who feels the need to remind you that Willa didn't win the Nobel Prize for One of Ours, but the Pulitzer Prize. Thank you and happy reading!
Touche’! Now it’s my turn to be bad! I even looked that up before I responded to make sure of my facts & definitely envisioned Nobel for Pulitzer. Let’s keep this just between you & me! Lol! Hope ur having a wonderful weekend, Margarida…🌹
@@christinefortner7725 Sorry, Christine, but the Nobel Prize is awarded to an author and his body of work, not to a specific book, and I'm afraid Willa Cather never won it. Moreover, many of her contemporaries, like Hemingway, and critics thought the book overrated despite being a best seller. Happy reading!
Hi Miranda, that's excellent news about your Mum's check-up - thanks for sharing. I know what you mean if a book's been intense and you need a palette cleanser. I've just bought The Feast and am looking forward to it - thanks for the recommendation. Hope you're managing to keep cool in the heat! x
Thank you so much! I hope you enjoy The Feast! Xxx
Miranda, I had a similar experience re: a good book coming along at the wrong time. Over Easter 2009, my mother had a stroke, and every book I came across was about loss, illness, etc. In the end, I read the Twilight series because:
1) my cousin owned the books (and I was only visiting and was bereft of books)
2) they were completely escapist.
I cannot say that they were great reads, but it was what my mind could handle at the time.
You saved the best for last. Love Susan Branch!
She is fab! xxx
Hi Miranda. Out of the three non-fiction books I think you could choose, ‘Where Stands a Winged Sentry’ by Margaret Kennedy. Firstly, it’s thin enough to be read in a short period of time, and secondly you spoke highly of Margaret Kennedy’s book, ‘The Feast‘. Knowing who Margaret was, as a person, would be interesting, to see if her personal life influenced her stories. I just want to comment, that your flowers are beautiful, as is the vase. It reminds me of the flowers from a book you spoke highly about ages ago called, ‘Field of Flowers’ by Chelsea Fuss. I did buy this book, as a result of your vlog. It is a really beautiful book. On my TBR (and thanks to your recommendation a few vlogs back) is, ‘The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society’ by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows’. I bought it second hand on eBay and received it last week. I’m just finishing off ‘Anne of Green Gables’ by L.M. Montgomery. A book I never read as a child, but watched the 1985 movie version multiple times. Thank you once again for another enjoyable 📚
I'm definitely keen to get to he MK book very soon! And you make a very good point that it's a slim read 😃 So glad you enjoyed Chelsea's book too - it is beautiful! It sounds like you've got some lovely reading ahead xxx
@@MirandaMills Thank you Miranda 📚
So glad to hear the good news about your mom 💕and what a wonderful selection! I have just ordered 2: Frenchman's Creek and The Country of Others. I completely agree with you about the palate cleanser! I always need to decompress after reading heavy ou more serious novels. I normally turn to Agatha Christie 📚🌸
Thank you very much! I hope you enjoy those two books, Teresa. Happy reading! xxx
Hello again, I enjoyed this so much and want to look into reading some of your choices. I would like you to choose the summer nature book for your nonfiction choice, it sounds so interesting and maybe you’ll learn something new as well. Thank you.
Thanks for your thoughts! So glad you enjoyed the video 😊💕📚
The colour of the elderflower cordial is gorgeous! I only know the one from Tesco and it's clear
It's just my glass that's coloured! xxx
@@MirandaMills Oh my gosh, I didn't realise, that is so funny...! 🤣
I have been reading a lot of Nancy Mitford lately in preparation for the release of The Pursuit of Love mini series...I love all of your recommendations and put them on my To Read list! Thanks so much for a wonderful video!
Nancy Mitford is always a good idea! 💕💫
I would love to hear about the Margaret Kennedy book the most out of your non-fiction choices. I love reading books that take place during WWII and it would be nice to hear about someone's memories of it. I have not read any of her books yet. I also can't read sickness and hospital books and knew I wouldn't read it as soon as you said what it was about.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I'm very keen to read the Kennedy! It does sound fascinating! 😊 xxx
Winged Sentry is really good. I read it years ago but didn't own it so had to buy the beautiful Handheld Press edition. You've also inspired me to get the Frenchman's Creek audio book. Is John Castle the narrator? I always think of him as the detective in the Joan Hickson version of A Murder is Announced. I read FC as a teenager many years ago and loved it. I would also recommend the audio book of King's General by DDM read by Juliet Stevenson. Enjoy your summer reading. It's the middle of winter here (Melbourne) and we're back in lockdown but books are always a comfort.
Yes, John Castle is the narrator. It’s such a good listen! I remember him in Miss Marple too 😊
Devorgilla Days is an amazing read, I gave it 5 ⭐️
I forgot to mention that I just finished reading A Long Way from Chicago by Richard Peck. It is a middle grade book and I enjoyed it so much. It is about two children who go to spend a week with their rather wroodsy grandmother during the depression. Very funny and heartwarming.
Oh that sounds interesting! Thank you for the recommendation xxx
May God ( or whichever Power you believe in) grant you and your mom many decades more of great health and abundant joy. Peace 🌼 and love❤️ to you both
Thank you very much ❤️
@@MirandaMills you're welcome
You should definitely read Where Stands a Winged Sentry by Margaret Kennedy. It sounds really interesting. Enjoy your summer reads, its big pile but an exciting one for you as well. Take care Miranda x
Thank you very much, Yumi! I'm looking forward to getting to the Kennedy soon; it sounds so interesting xxx
I might need to read the Crooked Sixpence as I live near Bath!
Oh fab! Such a beautiful part of the world 💕
A Poem for Every Summer Day sound like something I might like and also the cookery books but I already have lots of books on my TBR list
It’s a lovely poetry book 💫
Thank you for sharing your summer reads. I will make a note in my to be read list. I have just finished Falling by Elizabeth Jane Howard. Loved it and also Away with the Penguins by Hazel prior. Since I started watching you u tube channel I have learned such a lot and find my reading choices are much more informed.
Thank you so much for your lovely comment, Margaret! I’m so glad you enjoyed Falling! Xxx
Yes I really enjoyed it. I have a birthday soon and am putting The Cazalet Chronicles on my present list so fingers crossed .
I don’t like reading about illness as well … so I fully understand …. I haven’t read daphne du maurier but I do have Rebecca here to read …. I enjoyed this video and glad to hear your mum is ok 💞💞. …. 📚💞📚
Thank you so much! You're for such a treat reading Rebecca for the first time xxx
The concept in the book by Kiran Desai (a recluse deciding to live in a tree) reminds me of "The Baron in the Tree" by Italo Calvino! Have you read that as well?
No I haven't; I'll have to look it up! xxx
I hate hospital stuff too and I avoid the msm and the main tv channels. You help me remember to read books! I'm currently reading The City of Tears by Kate Mosse, it's set in France in the 16th century.
Oh that sounds good! I keep meaning to try more Kate Mosse books xxx
Great 🦋
Wonderful suggestions as always! As you love “Blitz Lit”, I wonder if you’ve read “Shake Down the Stars” by Frances Donnelly? I found it so absorbing and moving but find very little about it online! Would love your opinion - is it an overlooked treasure?
I haven't read that one, but I'll have to look it up, Thanks for the recommendation! xxx
This is a delightful book channel that I just found.
Thank you! 📚💫
Devorgilla Days: Completely with you on books on illness but if you are after real fun do read Shaun Bythell’s books on keeping the biggest bookshop in Wigtown. You and your mum will definitely want to visit Wigtown and you’re reasonably close.
Yes, I have his first book. We’d definitely like to visit at some point! Xx
The Eternal Season….Id love to hear your thoughts
As to which non-fiction to read, I would pick The Eternal Season.
it's definitely summer appropriate! xx
Do you have a video about your book tastes? I just discovered you and your videos are so lovely.
Your videos are so lovely and I especially love your flowers. I'm a lot like you Miranda, in that I don't enjoy reading books about illnesses and hospitals for various reasons. Thank goodness your Mom's scan came back all good.
Thank you so much, Janice! I do always love to have some fresh flowers in the house whenever possible 😊 xxx
I am rereading the Jalna series by Mazo de la Roche. Have you read these? I read these decades ago, and am enjoying this family saga set mostly in Canada. Thank you for the personal take on anxiety and subject matter. I think many of us share this!
No I haven’t; I’ll have to look them up 📚
@@MirandaMills Although they are set in Canada, there is a real English feel to them. They are available on Hoopla, and I suggest starting with the first one published, Jalna. Donna may love these!
Great to know, thanks!
My mum just told me she has read these, and that one of her favourite professors from uni wrote a biography of the author! Xxx
@@MirandaMills What a great coincidence!
Dont read the hospital nonfiction. You and your Mum deserve a good, lighthearted read.
My vote goes to the Margaret Kennedy, because I love books about that period - my parents met in Italy, both British soldiers in the 2nd World war, so I owe my life to that conflict!!
What a great story! I'm looking forward to getting to the MK xxx
Miranda meant reading buddies.