The Diamond Waterfall (by Pamela Haines)

(Amazon UK link)

The Diamond Waterfall' is a historical saga by Pamela Haines.

This is a long novel covering three generations. A necklace (known as the Waterfall) plays a part, although not as major one as I would have expected, given the book's title.

There are some unpleasant scenes, and rather too many characters for easy light reading, in my opinion. The story is made more confusing by a muddled style of writing with unfinished sentences.

There's an unlikely but reasonably happy ending. However, although I finished it I wouldn't really recommend it. 

Review copyright 1999 Sue's Book Reviews

Hydra (by Robert Swindells)

(Amazon UK link)

'Hydra' is a modern novel for older children by Robert Swindells. I'm not entirely sure how it ended up on our shelves; perhaps somebody gave it to us. I wanted something different, so I read it aloud to my sons, who were twelve and ten at the time.

The story is about two children who uncover a scientific secret, and get themselves into danger. We felt it was almost believable. It was certainly very well-written and quite exciting, but without being too scary.

The characters were well-developed, and it was an excellent book to read aloud. 

Recommended for older children and teens. 

Review copyright 1999 Sue's Book Reviews

Our summer faces (by Louise Brindley)

(Amazon UK link)

'Our summer faces' is a war-time saga by the late writer Louise Brindley. I don't think I had read anything else by this author, and have no idea how it ended up on our shelves. 

This book is set in the years in between the two world wars. Charlotte, an unconventional young lady with an illegitimate child, becomes well-known as a fashion designer. She tries to find love and eventually succeeds.

I found this rather a confusing book with, in my view, far too many minor characters. However, I realised later that it might have been easier to understand if I had read the book 'Tenquillan', as 'Our summer faces' is apparently a sequel.

I would not really recommend this unless you like this author and have read the previous book. It's not currently in print but seems to be widely available second-hand.

Review copyright 1999 Sue's Book Reviews

Linnets and Valerians (by Elizabeth Goudge)

(Amazon UK link)

'Linnets and Valerians' is a novel for children or younger teenagers by Elizabeth Goudge. This author is probably best known for her other children's book, 'The Little White Horse', but she also wrote novels for adults.

Note that 'Linnets and Valerians' is sometimes known by an alternative title of 'The Runaways'.

The story is about four children who run away from their strict grandmother, and find their uncle, who undertakes to teach them at home. He's rather strict too, but has a very human side to him as well.

The children become involved in superstitious practices and meet a sad old lady, eventually releasing her from her troubles and finding happiness themselves.

It's a slightly odd book, and distinctly old-fashioned, but enjoyable nonetheless. Not currently in print but fairly widely available second-hand.

Recommended to older children and teens, and of course their parents.

Review copyright 1999 Sue's Book Reviews.

Broken Windows, Broken Lives (by Adrian Plass)

(Amazon UK link)

'Broken Windows, Broken Lives' is a short novel by Adrian Plass.

This is the story of a young man who wants to help maladjusted children. He goes to work in a home for boys, and very slowly is accepted by them, while learning a lot about himself at the same time.

There are many moving moments; it's very well-written (based, in part, on the author's real-life experiences) and I would highly recommend it.

(You can also read my slightly longer and more recent review of 'Broken Windows, Broken Lives, written after another re-read)

Review copyright 1999 Sue's Book Reviews

An Alien at St Wilfred's (by Adrian Plass)

(Amazon UK link)

'An Alien at St Wilfred's' is a novel by Adrian Plass.

This is a most unusual story. It features a little alien who appears to a handful of selected people. They all belong to the rather small and dying church of St Wilfred's.

The alien calls himself Nunc. He has a profound effect on four different members of St Wilfred's. It's a thought-provoking book without being preachy at all.

I'd read this before, but thought it well worth re-reading.

Highly recommended.

A longer review of 'An Alien at St Wilfred's is here, when I re-read it again a few years later.

Review copyright 1999 Sue's Book Reviews

Stress Family Robinson (by Adrian Plass)

(Amazon UK link)

'Stress Family Robinson' is a light Christian novel by Adrian Plass.

This is the story of a rather chaotic family and their late middle-aged friend Dip. It's written through Dip's eyes as she gradually gets to know them better, and takes part in many of their struggles and family problems.

There are well-drawn characters with some extremely moving moments amidst the generally light style. Definitely recommended.

You can find my most recent review of 'Stress Family Robinson' here, written after reviewing again in 2010.

Review copyright 1999 Sue's Book Reviews

The Convenient Marriage (by Georgette Heyer)

(Amazon UK link)

'The Convenient Marriage' is a historical novel by the prolific writer Georgette Heyer.

Young Horatia Winwood offers to marry the Earl of Rule in place of her sister. The Earl has never met anyone quite like Horry...

This book has the usual Heyer wit and sparkling plot, even if a little unlikely, with a highly satisfactory conclusion.

I've read this at least twice before and it was still very enjoyable. Highly recommended.

(I wrote a longer review of 'The Convenient Marriage' when re-reading again, three years later)

Review copyright 1999 Sue's Book Reviews