Philippa Swan

This is one for fans of Edith Wharton novels.
On the night of All Souls, Edith Wharton returns with some of her contemporaries, amongst others, her ex-husband and her long-time friend and confidante.
She has been summoned to read a contemporary novella, which publishers hope will stimulate renewed interest in her work. So there is a story within a story.
As the evening proceeds, information is revealed, to all present which causes rifts in the existing relationships. Edith realises that she had been duped on many occasions by people she thought she knew and trusted. The decision to support the publication causes her to consider whether she wants renewed scrutiny of her past life or whether to fade into obscurity.
I have read both[The House of Mirth] and [The Age of Innocence] but had known little about the authors own life. This novel reveals a lot of information and it makes the reader aware of how her personal experience influenced her writing. An enjoyable debut novel from this New Zealand writer.… (meer)

This one was irresistible.

There is a West Highland terrier on the cover and, as a proud Westie owner, it could not pass unnoticed. I'm also a mad keen gardener, so it seemed to be something right up my alley. And so it was.

This is an excellent read. I could relate to the trials and tribulations of the small-space gardener, and shared with her the triumph of every success. Swan has an amusing style and this was a great read. I hope we see more of her when her next garden takes shape.… (meer)