After the trauma of shopping for TV's DH and I required
some relaxing time, and so we went to the big Chapter's
bookstore in Brampton. I had gift cards from Christmas
to spend, and was craving a visit to a bricks and mortar
store, instead of the on line shopping that I usually do. I'm
glad that we went because I found a few books that I would
have likely missed on line. I've read the first two sets of trilogies that Robin Hobb has
written in this series, but the third set I didn't have yet in
my library. I do now. I might just read all three books in a
row, if the mood hits me. These are fantasy, by the way.

The book on the Blitz was on sale. Sarah Ash is another fantasy
author who's Tears of Artamon trilogy was excellent. Tracing the
Shadow is her latest book, which I didn't even know was out.
Peony in Love is a book that I've had my eye on for awhile. I've
noted that other bloggers have read it and enjoyed it, so I grabbed
it yesterday when I had the chance. We've all heard about the
movie Atonement that's out right now. Well, I'd heard that the
book is an excellent read, and the story's ending an unexpected
twist, so I've been wanting to read it.

Now, I've never read anything by Julia Fox before, but I was so
intrigued by this book of hers. I've read a lot about the Tudor era,
and especially about Henry and is multiple wives. So I've met
Jane Boleyn, (SIL to Anne and Mary, wife to George) many times.
In every book she is the outsider. The one who betrays her husband
and SIL's when Henry is looking for an excuse to rid himself of his
second wife. She is portrayed as jealous, petty and prim. An
opportunist.

Now this book was written with much research
(or so claims the cover) into documentation and letters about the
real Jane Boleyn and promises to reveal her in a truthful telling
of what really occurred back then. Not the nasty, jealous and
betraying woman...the villain that we've always been told about.
I'm really looking forward to reading this one.

And this weeks read was Jan Karon's latest book Home to
Holly Springs. A Father Tim novel which does not take place
in the familiar environs of Mitford, as in past books. This one
takes Father Tim back to his own home town of Holly Springs.
A place that he has not visited since the death of his mother
38 years earlier.

Father Tim is retired, and at the age of 70 has settled into
a contented life with his beloved wife Cynthia, dog Barnabas
and adopted son Dooley. Then he receives a cryptic note in
the mail, with only two words written on it. "Come Home".

Home. Father Tim's memories of his life in Holly Springs
are conflicted and tinged in sadness. His mother and her
family were loving, devout and close. His father was cold,
aloof, at times cruel and estranged from his grandfather.
Peggy, their housekeeper, was a second mother to the
young Tim and greatly beloved by him. But she disappeared
suddenly one day when he was in grade 5 and he'd never
been able to find her.

In the previous Mitford books there were hints about
Father Tim's past and his relationship with his parents.
Now we find out the full story of his early years, and
the reasons for his estrangement from his own father.

Compelled to answer the call of the mysterious note,
and to face the past that has haunted him, Father
Tim returns to Holly Springs, seeking long lost
friends, answers to mysteries unresolved, an end to
the conflicted feelings of love and betrayal connected
to his father, and finally to find peace with his past.

The Mitford books are about people and their faith.
But they are not cloying, or preachy. They are
warm and amusing, and full of colourful characters.
You feel a sense of welcome, and comfort when
reading these books. Like coming home. You don't
have to be a deeply religious person to enjoy these
books. You just have to appreciate the importance
of love, family and community.