Bella Osborne

This is a contemporary fiction by English author Bella Osborne, featuring 16 year-old Tom Harris who seeks refuge from the difficulties of his life in the Compton Mallow Library where he meets the quirky 72 year-old Maggie Mann. Tom is struggling to get through his GCSE exams and avoid a looming future working in the dog food factory. His grieving alcoholic father seems not to see his distress or to understand his dreams. Gradually Maggie and Tom become friends, enriching both of their lives. Along with his high-school crush, Farah Shah, Tom and Maggie band together to rescue the library from imminent closure.

This is a pleasant, if predictable, heart-warming story, bringing together young and old. The audio narration was disappointing with the male voices sounding rather odd. 3.5 stars… (meer)

Holly Cross residents know how to do Christmas in the right way, with lots of lights, fun, and community activities. When Blythe sells a house to Sam Ashton, she never thought he would turn out to be a Grinch! Blythe and friends make it their mission to get Sam into the Christmas spirit, and there will be lots of surprises and a little bit of mystery along the way.

This is a sweet novel with lots of fun and humor, as well as warmth and caring. Although there are some naughty innuendoes, there is no overt intimacy or strong language. This book made me laugh many times before the satisfying conclusion.

I received this book from the publisher and from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.… (meer)