This week, I have read an entire series by Rebecca Alexander. The series is called Cottage by the Sea. The books are all based on islands off the coast of Britain. The islands were a major help during WWII. The communities are a bit insular as it takes either a ferry or air transportation to get to them. The people on the islands are supportive, helpful, and caring as well as being gossipy and judgemental. Pretty much like any small town, but what makes them stand out to me is their self-reliance and caring. I found that even though the stories are not directly linked, together they weave a story about a world that was not easy but full. I absolutely loved each and every novel.
I needed to read novels like this. I am feeling down for a variety of reasons (not just the election) and really appreciated the well written, heartening, stories of communities and new beginnings and joy. I have discovered that Rebecca Alexander has other books out that I am looking forward to reading.
I think Rebecca Alexander’s books remind me when I read Elisabeth Ogilvie’s books with the same feelings of joy. Elisabeth Ogilivie’s books all take place on Bennett’s Island, another community of resilience and strength. Not that there wasn’t sadness and angst in the novels as well. That is what made the joy and resilience so powerful. Too bad I do not like fish.
Elise sent in a review of Long Time Gone by Hannah Martian. It is a novel about Wyoming and finding a missing person. Elise described the story as about the family you are born into and the family you make. She also interviewed Joy Jordan-Lake about her newest book Echoes of Us, a novel with dual timelines with unlikely friendships with courage and friendships and love.
I wish you a week where you can read and find joy in what you do.
