Summer Reads...Feathers, Fun and Fay!

Feathers, Fun and Fay

Perfect outdoor reading from the book curators at Beatons Tearooms and Bookshops groupSummer brings us outside - whether to beach, garden or local tearooms! This quartet serves up a due which brings more birds into your life - both poetic and real - and two funny and witty novels from local authors.

'Rise' by Gill McEvoy, Cinnamon Press - poetry
Looking to birds and nature with sharpened senses following diagnosis of ovarian cancer in 2000, award-winning poet Gill McEvoy finds inspiration if not always hope. Discovered by the Beatons Cheshire team, her collection 'Rise' drips with sensitivity, pithy insight and depth. With an eagle-sized wingspan, 'Rise' effortlessly soars through all weathers of emotions demonstrating life is more visceral when we dare to encounter them. This is a must for all aspiring poets wishing to acquire the art of 'less is more' and a read to give rise to your wings, no matter how dry or dreary the view. 'Gulls lift from slurried fields, turn and glint in the bitter light.'

To Touch a Butterfly by April Pulley Sayre, Roost Books - family
Heads up, this is written by a Canadian so if you're not a fan of the use of 'yard' for back garden this won't be for you... However, the glossy large sized paperback oozes ideas on how to find and attract wildlife to your garden. Simply written, packed full of advice, stories and stunning photographs, it's written by someone passionate and experienced in getting children and parents observing, planting and delighting in the nature on their doorstep. Teachers planning their next year's curriculum would also find this inspirational for projects!

How to Find your (First) Husband by Rosie Blake, Corvus - chicklit
Although it took a couple of chapters to warm to Isobel, who has a touch of Bridget Jones about her, chuckling commenced almost immediately. Kicking off in LA, returning home to Polzeath and then heading towards Malaysia via Devon, this is a joyful if thwart-with-mishaps journey of love. It unravels unexpectedly and the premise of the title is wonderful - Isobel is searching for the man she 'married' at primary school. Berkshire author Rosie Blake reproduces Isobel's letters at the end of each chapter which adds a different voice. Light, naughty and perfect holiday reading.

Before the War by Fay Weldon, Head of Zeus

Fay never disappoints and is still exploring new literary approaches. This latest novel - as always impeccably bound and sporting a blue ribbon bookmark - uses bullseye headings to preface scenes within chapters. We're also party to most of the turns of the plot ahead of time! This might sound like a recipe for boredom but it is an absolute master-stroke. Why it works? Difficult to pinpoint - perhaps because the turns turn again. Set in the publishing world, this is an in-between the wars tale of love, births and skulduggery with a dead heroine - Vivvie - who lives on through every page. Clever, funny, fascinating - Fay.