Saturday 8 October 2022

The Lighthouse Bookshop!

 by SHARRON GOSLING;  

An Adventure Book Review by Erin the Literary Cat©, International Book Reviewer.

©Image copyright Erinthecatprincess

 

Hello, and welcome to my weekend Book Review featuring this week, Adventures in Middle-Grade Adult Fiction! 

⭐️ A WINNER! ⭐️ Before we proceed with this week's post, we need to announce the winner of the copy of The Shadow Order that Mrs H bought out of her pension for the Shadow Order Blog Tour. The winning commenter, was Jackie, from the Memories of Eric and Flynn blog. Please contact Mrs H, Jackie, to arrange delivery of your prize.


Now let's head on over to Upper Much-Mousing, and see what Erin and Mrs H are up to this week . . .


 
"Mrs H, what is a folly?" Erin was sitting leafing through this week's book for review.


"Well, dear, a folly is something that might be considered foolish or unlikely to succeed. Like you trying to convince me I need to feed you when I know you've just had your third supper. A folly can also be something with no purpose other than to be itself, no matter how strange or out of place that may be.


"Like the lighthouse in this book," Erin gestured to the cover. 


"Yes, exactly that. It was built as a library, seemingly on the whim of the landowner, for his wife."


"And is that Sharon Gosling on the cover? I can't see her cat, Newt, with her." Erin knew Newt travelled with the author on her walks, and to her allotment to help with grounds maintenance and rodent control."


"I think that's Rachel, the lead character." Mrs H smiled warmly at her feline companion, who often took things far too literally and who she suspected had ASD like herself. "There is a cat in the story, though, called Eustace. And a dog called Bukowski, who together add to the flavour."


"Maybe we should have a lighthouse. Or at least a small tower!" Erin scratched at her ear absentmindedly.


"And who would be expected to clean this tower, hmm?" Mrs H gave Erin a raised eyebrow stare which meant she was not amused.


Erin cringed. "I think maybe I'll settle for just looking at this picture then."


"Yes, dear, I think that's best. Why not introduce the review whilst you have our guests' attention?


"Great idea, Mrs H. This week, dear readers, we have the great pleasure of reviewing The Lighthouse Bookshop. Read on to discover all, and the chance to win a copy!"


©. Erin the Cat Princess ©.



AUTHOR: SHARON GOSLING

 

Cover art by: PIP WATKINS (Senior Designer at Simon & Schuster)

 

Published by: SIMON & SCHUSTER UK

 

Publication date:  18 August 2022

 

Paperback ISBN:    978-1471198694

 

Cover price for Paperback £8.99

 

Pages:  440.

 

Age range: Adult


Any dogs or cats? YES!  A Cat and a Dog in supporting roles.


 

 

SPOILER ALERT


Some as to plot direction and characters. 

 

 

Thank you to... 

 

We are exceedingly grateful to Sharon Gosling, Simon & Schuster & Net Galley for the privilege of getting to Read & Review this delightful adult book, which is out now.

 

As ever, our views are always our own, and we only share reviews of books we like and feel our readers deserve to know about and that we hope they will enjoy. 

 

 

The plot


Our protagonist is Rachel. The story opens with the arrival of a letter and a note posted within another. Seeing the name and address on the inner envelope, words thought left behind, shatters five years' worth of them being forgotten about. This is Rachel's secret, and she means to keep it that way for her own sanity and, ultimately, her very real safety.


Rachel came to the remote Aberdeenshire village of Newton Dunbar, some miles inland from the coast. Alone and then homeless, save for her campervan, she finally found a place to call home and work. That place was a lighthouse that sat too far from the coast to be of any use. It was, in the true sense, a folly. Within its walls was once the library of the nearby stately home that burnt down soon after it was built in the early 1800's. Now it is a bookshop. Both tower and the stately home have a history, a sad one at that, but both hold secrets too. Secrets that will come to feature prominently.

 

The owner of the Lighthouse Bookshop, and carer of Eustace, the cat, is Mr Cullen MacDonald. The bookshop and Cullen are loved by all; both are the centre of a tight community of friends. It is a place where Cullen and Ron play chess, and villagers have coffee and fresh baked culinary treats made by local engraver, Edie. Of course, it is also a place of friendly banter. And even as a neutral ground, where once friends, now unfathomably quarrelsome neighbours, Esra and Edie spar and goad each other. 

 

It is a place like many others, maybe you know a place like it. But in a small village, it is probably more intense and passionate. Gilly, a young girl in her teens, enters the mix. She is camping out, essentially on the run from the system and adoption. Strong-willed, fiercely independent, and like Rachel, wanting to leave things behind. She falls foul of Dora McCreedy, the local property magnate with an axe to grind and the despicable villain of this book. Finding her tent and possessions destroyed by McCreedy, who threatens to call the police, Gilly ends up at the lighthouse. Her presence splits opinions amongst the villagers regarding her intent, honesty and actual situation, and more importantly, what they should do about it.

 

When Cullen dies suddenly and without leaving a will, his legacy, the bookshop, and thus Rachel's world and safe place are at the mercy of the highest bidder. And McCreedy makes it clear that she will be the victor.

 

Now, I have introduced you to all but one of the main supporting characters. Enter Toby Hollingwood. former war journalist, he is now set to work on his memoirs. But it is a past that is haunted by demons. Newton Dunbar seems just the place to get away from it all and write.

 

OK, so that is as far as I can go. Rest assured, there is much elegance and compelling reading for you discover in what follows next. There is joy, sadness and, yes, tears too.

 


So, what did we think?

 

This is Sharon's second full length adult fiction tale, the first being The House Beneath the Cliffs. She has a long and respected career as a professional entertainment journalist and writer of non-fiction on film and television, including tie-in books for movies. Mrs H was highly impressed and says she'll soon be buying The House Beneath the Cliffs. 

 

Our review of Sharon's latest thrilling Middle-Grade adventure, The Extraordinary Voyage of Katy Willacott. A link to that can be found HERE. 

 

This is as delicious, refreshing and comforting a tale as a bowl of summer fruit or a favourite hot pudding in winter. 


Once again, Sharon has delivered a timeless piece of writing. It gently conveys the essence of the characters and their lives. Rounded yet flawed, as we are, this tale gives charm, sass, wit, fear and insight into a plotline situation that is, I think, unique. 

 

Centred around a 'folly' of the title, which itself hides secrets beyond the obviousness of its unlikely presence, the story unfolds and grows in a delightfully organic way. We get a natural feel for the tight-knit community, the stresses and strains, and the actual value of comradery. 




So . . . . 



Crunch time. 


Whilst adult books are not my usual stomping ground, cosy mysteries and Middle Grade reads as befits my age, this is a most welcome, engaging exception. It handles aspects of a social, family and mature nature, including PTSD, with a delicate accuracy; no sensationalism or gratuity. 


I enjoyed every minute of this book and hope you will too. Everything to love and applaud, as is to be expected from a very skilled writer. 

 


⭐️ We have a Giveaway! ⭐️

 

Mrs H has kindly funded the purchase of two copies of this fabulous book. Two lucky commenters will each receive a copy to enjoy. All you have to do is leave a comment below, and Mrs H will, with my help, select a numbered mouse at random from our virtual hat! Entries close Friday 14th October 2022.

 


 


Want to buy a copy?

 

To get a copy, please do think of your local independent bookshop. There are plenty out there, though maybe none as mysterious as the Lighthouse Bookshop, and each is a beacon ready to light your path to fun and adventure with a personal touch.

 


Sharon Goslings  WEB page can be found HERE  OR type this:- https://www.sharongosling.com/ 


 

Simon & Schuster UK's web page can be found HERE. OR type this:- https://www.simonandschuster.com/

 


 

If any publishers wish us to review their books, please contact us. Details are listed on our book review page.


 

I shall leave you with a Sunday Selfie picture of me doing what comes naturally . . .

 

 

© Erin the cat Princess

 

Till laters!

ERin

 

 © All images and text are subject to copyright, and nothing may be used, copied, stored or shared, either in part of whole, in any format, without the express written permission of the copyright holders in advance. 

 

24 comments:

  1. Erin, it seems as if by now you must be having dreams about that lighthouse!

    Some peeps around here have them in their lawns, but they are just small replicas.

    Sounds like a great read. I want the newcomer to win that real estate and then hire the girls to care for it. I wonder what really happens, LOL!

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    1. I wish I could have one, though finding rounded furniture is problematical, as are all those starirs! Well, as to what really happens, paws crossed you may win and then find out. Thanks for visiting, and do check back after next week when we'll anounce the winners, plus have an amazing gothic horror to review for Firefly Press!
      ERin

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  2. So happy to see you at last, Erin -- you cute lttle tuxy ladycat, you! They say if you snooze, you lose, but not in this case. Seeing all your sweet toesies together in one spot is a welcome revelation.

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    1. Snoozing is a big win Mrs H says. She gets more work done I think πŸ™‚ PLUS she gets to read the books to me and then type up my dictation.
      ERin

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  3. Replies
    1. Thank you, snoozing is a must in the autumn warmup for winter πŸ™‚. Yes, it was such a great book, Mrs H said we could buy and give away two copies this week for our adult fans.
      ERin

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  4. You did it again, you found another goodie! Hooray for Jackie, she's always a winner!

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    1. We are lucky that there are so many great books to choose from. Plus we only share those we enjoy. Hopefully, Jackie sees the message!
      ERin

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  5. Erin, Darling, might I (your #1 Fan Boy) tell you that your toes look absolutely scrumptious!?! (Blush). It has been too long since we stopped by and I must apologize for my Peep's lack of helping us blog and comment. One would have thought when she retired that she would have more time...but I digress...this sounds like an excellent book. I have put it on our list of Must Reads! Your review has left me wanting to know more...more about Rachel, Toby and Eustace! Keep being AWESOME! Purrs Your Marv

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    1. Why thank you, Prince Marv! Any time you visit from Canada, is a pleasure. I love my toes, too, though I must add they're not for eating πŸ™‚. Oh, hang on you didn't mean scrumptious in that way. You may well win a copy, if so we'll send you a message via the blog.
      Purrs
      ERin

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  6. Erin, first let us say that we LOVE that photo of you. Your snoozy smile warms our hearts. :)

    And your review makes us really want to read this book. It sounds like a great read!

    Yay for Mum Jackie!

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    1. Thank you. It was a warm day and those rays just begged me to snuggle down amongst them. I hope you get a chance to enjoy this book. You could be a winner!
      Purrs
      ERin

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  7. Erin, that is such a beautiful snoozie -er, selfie - of you!
    The book sounds really intriguing. A bookshop in a lighthouse - what a wonderful idea! We would love to read it.

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    1. Hello to you all in Jerusalem, Israel! I hope the weather is lovely there? Thhe snoozie was exceptionally good, but then we had some warming sun. Rest assured I get the book out to you if you win. πŸ™‚πŸ’™
      ERin

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  8. ERin, you look so comfy and warm and snuggly. The best kitty to read next to! I also got caught up in a book today and ignored visiting all my bloggy kitty friends, but am catching up now (but oh, I want to finish the book tonite!) Have a wonderful week!

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    1. Thanks for stopping by, Andree. I hope Vermont weather is being kind and everyone is getting lots of snuggles πŸ™‚. I agree, a good book, just like this, needs to be read and enjoyed. Hopefully you get to finish the books and visit all the stops on the blog hop! Have a great week.
      ERin

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  9. Now this does sound a fun read. I will add this to be Erin reads promotions too!!

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    1. Thank you, Marjorie. We always value your oppinion. Rest assured if you win a copy, I will have it delivered to New Zealand. Obviously I cant guarantee how long NZ postal service will take to deliver it! πŸ˜‰
      ERin

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  10. Such a sweet selfie. That sounds like a good read!

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    1. Thank you. Yes it is rather fun, well crafted, and we were tottally gripped.
      ERin

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  11. After a good read you have to integrate it, right sweet Erin😸Double Pawkisses especially for youπŸΎπŸ˜½πŸ’ž

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    1. Double pawkisses to you, Peachy Stippie and Binky and Granny. You are and always will all be with us. As to integration, well, a good book deserves, like a great meal, time to digest πŸ™‚. This one was loads of fun.
      Purrs
      ERin

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  12. Firstly, thank you for giving me the opportunity to win the book. I am very sure I will enjoy it.
    This review sounds very interesting and makes me want to know more. That is an adorable photo of you.

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    1. Well you may well win but we have lots of entries this week across both Wordpress & Blogger. I really enjoyed this story. Thank you, napping I do well, possibly too often Mrs H says πŸ˜‰
      ERin

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