Hazel Prior – The Book Date

Call of the Penguins. Hazel Prior

November 17, 2021 Kathryn

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Published:Random House. UK
Date: 11th November 2021
Source:Publisher via NetGalley

At eighty-seven, Veronica McCreedy thinks her days of travelling the world are behind her. But when she’s invited to take part in a TV nature documentary that will take her across the globe filming her beloved penguins, she leaps at the prospect of a new adventure . . .

We first met 87 year old Veronica in in How the Penguins Saved Veronica or as it is titled elsewhere Away With the Penguins. And now she is out on a new adventure to a different place this time and different penguins.

Veronica is a bit of a curmudgeon with a tough outward exterior, but really she has a soft centre. This time she is off to help present a documentary about penguins. We also meet up with Terry and her grandson Patrick who at the start of the story are back in Antartica. However soon Patrick is off delving into family history and trying to make sense of it and to come to terms with it.

In the same way as Patrick learns more, Veronica also has her way of seeing the past challenged. Meanwhile work with the penguins goes on as does filming. On the Falklands leg of the journey Daisy a young girl who has been through some severe cancer treatment is living out her dream of meeting up with penguins. Veronica and herself have a very special relationship.

The story is strongly environmental. There are so many kinds of penguin, and we along with Veronica fall for the breeds we are introduced to. In a way that twines a human interest story and an environmental one, we see the consequences of our thoughtless actions in a very concrete way. And if you are like me you will be googling to see what each type of penguin looks like.

Call of the Penguins is another delightful read by Hazel Prior. While it does help to have read the previous book, it is not necessary, and a reader could easily pick up this one. I really enjoyed reading about Veronica and her team’s further exploits, and was sorry to close the book on them.

#IMWAYR

It’s Monday! What are You Reading?

November 8, 2021November 8, 2021 Kathryn

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? a place to meet up and share what you have been, and are about to be reading over the week. It’s a great post to organise yourself. It’s an opportunity to visit and comment and er… add to your groaning TBR pile! So welcome in everyone. This meme started on J Kaye’s blog and then was hosted by Sheila from Book Journey. Sheila then passed it on to Kathryn here at The Book Date.

Jen Vincent, Teach Mentor Texts, and Kellee of Unleashing Readers decided to give It’s Monday! a kidlit focus. If you read and review books in children’s literature – picture books, chapter books, middle grade novels, young adult novels or anything in those genres – join them.

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Greetings to you all. Hope things are going well for you. I enjoy visiting when I can and seeing how you are getting on. Ah… also you’d be surprised at how the books I want to read grows as I visit. Even though we all have such different reading tastes, I find I often intersect somewhere with lots of you.

What I read last week:

I really enjoyed the Debbie Macomber book, a recommendation from Meredith at the Currently Reading podcast. I was pleased to finish the audio of The Attic on Queen Street. I will finish the one more book in the series although I find them a little same/same. Call of the Penguins was delightful and review for that later.

What I am reading now:

The Quiet wards

And listening to The Black Moth by Georgette Heyer.

The Black Moth

Up next:

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Last Week’s Posts

October Reading Look Back

Plans for Kindle Reading in November

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#IMWAYR

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?

November 1, 2021November 1, 2021 Kathryn

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And here we are hitting November! Last week was a bit of a mishmash, I went down with an eyelid infection that was painful, healing now, but don’t want that again. I ordered a new bed and can expect it later in November and finally some tree surgeons called back to give me a quote on trimming trees and ivy. Ouch why did I plant so many twenty years ago!!

What I read last week:

Two really good reads.

What I am reading now:

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Up next:

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Last Week’s Posts

Picnic at Primrose Hill. Jodi Thomas

November Books on My List

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Book Connections

November Books on My List

October 29, 2021October 29, 2021 Kathryn

Today I am listing the books being published in November that I have special interest in. They are ones I will read for sure. It is always exciting to see what is publishing. I have been a reader of the Outlander books since the first one published. The others are all newer authors to me. Gleaned from my blogging rounds!!

#9 in the Outlander series. They come out so infrequently its a wonder I can remember what happened last, but I think I have a general idea and they are too big a book to go reread to remind myself.

This one comes out about November 23rd. It’s the time of the American Revolution and they are all back at Fraser’s Ridge. (My favourite setting for these books).

I haven’t watched the TV series of these books, I just prefer the books. I can then skip the really gory parts!

This is one that is in the local shops so that’s where I can buy it.

And #7 in the Tradd St Series. I am just listening to the previous one at present. I guess I’ll listen to this one as well. I feel it is about time it ends – so no regrets. It is due out very early November but most likely I won’t get to listen to it until 2022.

Doctors and Friends comes out November 9th. I’ll most likely put in a pre-order for this one very soon. This is the third book by Kimmery Martin. She is a emergency medicine specialist so all the details are there.

This one is about a pandemic but actually written before we were hit my our infamous world pandemic. Because its not Covid I can read it!

Hazel Prior returns with another story about Veronica and the Penguins. I really enjoyed the first one about her adventure with the penguins. She is 87 years old and she is off to take part in a documentary about penguins. I was lucky enough to be given a copy for this one from NetGalley and I really look forward to reading it. It publishes on the 11th of November.

And to round things off a cosy mystery. Death on a Shelf is #5 in the series and I have been listening to the audio version. It publishes November 9th. It is set in a library and has a ghost and a library cat. Easy listening.

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Book Connections

Five Favourite Books from Second Half of 2020

December 18, 2020December 18, 2020 Kathryn

Today I am sharing five star books from July to December. I had some more five star books but these I think are my top ones. As it happens they were all published this year. I think they also tell me about what I like to read. Book covers link to Goodreads.

My first half of the year was here.

This series just happens to be one of my very favourite series. I have the next one pre-ordered on Kindle already. It is a romantic suspense/detective series. However I love the characters and their development along the way. It just has me hooked. This last one had such a fantastic (to me) ending and promise of where the next book is going.

I am not alone in loving this series although only two people I follow on Goodreads are with me in reading the books.

It has a 4.74 rating on Goodreads from 1,318 ratings. Published in October.

I loved this book, worth every big fat dollar I paid to get a hardback copy. I loved the characters, the serious issues covered and that Wren, she was just baby delicious. And sprinkled through was Susan Elizabeth Phillips smart, funny voice. It is a romance, women’s fiction blend. I always buy her books in print. Her next book is an addition to a series of hers and will be straight romance I am guessing.

On Goodreads it has a 4.06 rating from 5,892 ratings. At least 15 other readers I follow have read it as well. Published in June.

Fabulous story of a grumpy old woman with a tough back story. It’s also a tale of her grandson, some Antartica penguins and a few scientists. It touched my heart and made me smile and shed a small tear near the end. Beautiful and uplifting.

It has a 4.18 rating on Goodreads from 3,024 ratings and was published in March 2020.

Another addictive read in this series. Plus really evil men, but balanced by wonderful family and friendship and love. It’s not like the “good” are perfect, but they make you believe in goodness and all that is great about human kind. So many great side characters hope to see more from.

On Goodreads a 4.32 rating from 1431 ratings. Published in August 2020.

book cover I thought Australian author Fiona Palmer has written an amazing story, that is very touching and had me totally engaged with her characters. The issues she explores in this book were especially topical and well thought out. One of the issues she explores I have never come across in any other book. So wonderfully and compassionately told. While I am not a reader who likes backwards in time sections, this one totally aced it and was perfect.

On Goodreads it has a 4.19 rating from 169 ratings. It was published in August 2020.

As next Friday is Christmas Day and the following Friday is January 1st and First Book of the Year, Connect Friday will take a two week break and be back on Friday the 8th of January.

Book Connections

Books with Older Characters

July 24, 2020July 24, 2020 Kathryn

I am coming across more books with older characters. Some are a little of a delightful fantasy and some are very true to real life. However all are enjoyable. While these are not the only books I have enjoyed or intend to enjoy with older characters, here are five I have thought of. Three I have read, one I am reading and one I hope to read.

book cover Away with the Penguins has an eighty six year old heroine. She is grumpy and non trusting. And… she is rather wealthy. She has no family until a rather non delectable grandson is tracked down. In the meantime Granny has decided to take a trip to Antartica to see the penguins and stays with a small group of scientists. Most of them are a bit grumpy too. However hearts begin to change and this was a most wonderful read with lots of facts about penguins as well. In the USA it is titled How the Penguins Saved Veronica.

book cover The Woman Next Door by Australian author Liz Byrski has an older character – Stella who is a bit of a character but who seems to be slipping in ways that concern her friends/neighbours. She is an actress nearly eighty. Liz Byrski has a great gift for exploring the life experiences of the older age group as does Joanna Nell who has written…

book cover The Last Voyage of Mrs Parker I read last year. It tells the story of the wife of a retired ship’s Doctor. But… she finds her husband is missing and she is rather confused about things. Joanna Nell is another Australian author who explores the experience of ageing for those its happening to and those who are with them.

The Switch by Beth O’Leary is an audiobook I happen to be listening to at the moment and one of the main characters is near eighty. Eileen who is newly single and looking for a second chance at love. She seems to be a bit of a character as well as being a very compassionate and understanding grandmother. So far I am enjoying it. It’s an extra listen for me as I picked it up from NetGalley as it was in the “Read Now” category. And one I did intend to read as I enjoyed Beth O’Leary’s previous book.

book cover The Love Story of Missy Carmichael. This is the story of a seventy nine year old. She lives alone and seems to be estranged from her family. This is one I haven’t read but it sounds like I could give it a go so its now on my TBR list. A few readers I follow have read it and that’s good enough for me.

#IMWAYR

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?

July 20, 2020July 20, 2020 Kathryn

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Hope you are all doing okay. We still remain Covid19 free, except for at the border where there are cases with returning citizens. We sort of skate on thin ice as it could leak out, but so far so good. Actually it feels weird as we go about our ordinary lives while the rest of the world continues to be very aware of the virus. I think maybe I should sort out some masks just in case. Anyway appreciating the freedom at the moment and hoping for the best.

“My biggest complaint” is my favourite loose leaf tea is no longer in the shops. Dilmah which comes from Sri Lanka. There are tea bags but I don’t like those. So using inferior tea now. I am guessing it is Covid 19 related.

Our political lives are interesting as we too have elections this year in September. There has been plenty to fill the news every day lately on that!

What I read last week:

Two quite different but both very enjoyable books.

What I am reading now:

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I am almost finished The Sun Sister by Lucinda Riley, today or tomorrow I think. It’s been very good and so good on audio.

Up next:

Last Week’s Posts

Meanwhile Back at the Library. – More Library Reserves

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#IMWAYR

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?

July 13, 2020July 13, 2020 Kathryn

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Hope you are all hanging in there. The days seem to fly by. Take care everyone and stay virus free.

What I read last week:

What I am reading now:

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Up next:

Last Week’s Posts

What You Wish For Katherine Center

Jane Austen Spin Offs

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Review

Looking at the Library Again

July 3, 2020July 3, 2020 Kathryn

Well I have been away from the library for months. I cancelled any reserves I had and went library free during Covid19 months. Now that we are having a “so they say” Covid19 free time here in NZ, I have tentatively put my feet back in the water by reserving five books online, and now await them.

I love the reserve feature and I know I can put a “delay” kind of thing on them, but when they are available I feel a bit of pressure to read them. A bit like a review book really, and I read best when there is total no pressure for anything!

Here are the five books I’ve reserved!

A review by Mary reminded me of this book, although in the USA it is called How the Penguins Saved Veronica.

I see this book is already on the reserve shelf for me at the library and I need to pick up by the 12th.

book cover Beach Read – I am not sure if this is for me or not. But good to make a small investment in it and get it from the library. Was on Anne Bogel’s summer reading list and I have seen a number of reviews from it. A DNF from one GR reviewer I respect so will check it out at the least.

book cover The Cake Maker’s Wish – I have read this Australian author before and this is her recently published one. I do admit though I have her last year book on my shelf and haven’t read it!

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Murder in the East End is a cozy mystery series I enjoy and recently I was alerted to the fact that this one is out.

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Maybe One Day is a shot in the dark. I like the Irish author Carmel Harrington and I saw this author on a Zoom presentation along with her. I think she is English but just thought I’d give her a whirl.

Book Connections, Review

Books Recommended by Others

May 8, 2020May 8, 2020 Kathryn

When I read a book review by someone and I know that my reading taste intersects with theirs in some ways I wonder if I should try it and I sometimes do, depending on whether of course there is space on my reading calendar. Here are five books that I did pick up. Links go back to the reader’s original review.

I read a book review of this on Mary’s blog Book Fan and while she didn’t say a lot about this debut novel she did capture my attention about it. So I requested it from the library and it was a very happy match up. So much so I even ended up making it a 5 star read. What a wonderful story. I loved Dan and Ellie and Phineas (the pheasant) and Ed. Beautifully written, quirky, delightful. This is a love story about nature and people who see the world slightly differently. Often I chuckled out loud. I loved much of the imagery – like rock and limpet! It’s about doing what really matters and being what really matters. This is a book I’ll long remember. Thanks Mary because I have not seen it mentioned anywhere else. I will want to read Hazel Prior again.

My niece Amanda recommended this book to me as it was one of Jojo Moyes books she really liked. It is historical fiction and tells the story of a group of women travelling from Australia to England to join the men they had married from Britain during the war years. All I can say is they were very courageous and the trip was not easy. Some got telegrams mid sail saying they were not wanted and they were put off the ship to be returned home at the next port. At times I found It dragged for me, but on the whole I found it insightful and well worth the read. I am already a Jojo Moyes fan but only picked this book up because Amanda had enjoyed it.

This book was first recommended by Elizabeth at Silver Reviews and then Debbie from The Reading Frenzy backed that up. When I needed a book for a reading challenge for a book that included food I decided now was the time to read it. It was perfect. Full of delicious smells, scenery, baking. Yum. Wonderful characters, a great sense of family and tradition and lots of little pieces of wisdom thrown in. I have since read another of Viola Shipman’s books and have another sitting on my TBR.

It is no secret that Laurel Rain enjoys reading Anne Tyler and I’ve seen her reading and reviewing her books. Last year after reading her review for Clock Dance I went out and bought it. And just this week I read it. It’s a slow moving wending way of a book through the life of one woman Willa and the people who surround her. After the rather hopeless husbands and sons she has encountered she finds a very different group of people, who I think prove to her family is not necessarily about blood. I really liked her vision for going forward. I will certainly read Anne Tyler again.

At first I passed this by on NetGalley but then I read Katherine’s review over at I Wish I Lived in a Library and I saw her ” I really liked it”, I knew I had to take notice. So I headed back to NG and downloaded it. I am just a little ways in but I can tell that I am going to enjoy it. How much? I am not that sure yet, but it is a very positive start. I’ve also seen others since saying it is a good read, so stepping out in faith and hope!!