My Thoughts and Review.

As many of you know, I am a keen supporter of Libraries.

On a recent visit, I randomly picked up Nancy Jooyoun Kim’s debut novel ‘The Last Story of Mina Lee’.

I never heard of this author but am pleased I chose this heartfelt story. Nancy writes beautifully, and I immediately became drawn to the theme of mother-daughter relationships and their history. This story is written in dual time, and two cultures, Korea and American. Mina, the mother, an immigrant who is now dead, refused to embrace her new culture and language and suffered throughout her life. Her daughter, struggling to lead her independent life in the US, initially showed little compassion for her mother. Margot travelled to sort out Mina’s affairs. Over a few weeks following conversations with the Korean community living in California, she discovers secrets including love and loss. Her empathy grows for her mother and a great sadness at the questions she never asked her. I appreciated the mentions of Korean cuisine throughout. The food became a developing character which added to this touching story.

On googling this author, I learned that a second book has been published, one I look forward to reading. Reece Witherspoon picked up this novel in her book club. I have read that The Last Story of Mina Lee will be made into a film. Congratulations to Nancy.

The Midnight Library by Matt Haig.

I finally got to this book party thanks to a friend.

A fantasy and quite a different novel for me. An impressive and thoughtful story on What If’s…. the lives Nora Seed could have lived…had she made different choices and grabbed different possibilities.  For those who have not read the book yet, I do not want to give away any spoilers as to why Nora ended up in this Library, why and how she gets to choose her different lives.

The writing flowed and it certainly grabbed my attention. Matt Haig can thread life and make-believe to include self-help. Have to say, I am impressed with Nora’s successes, which allowed me to think and reflect on mine. No regrets, we keep on keeping on..looking forward.

It’s never too late to grab Second Chances….

Below is a brief synopsis and my well-received novel Second Chances 

A touching tale that takes us on a journey from India to Kent, and East Sussex

At the heart of the story is Molly—kind-hearted, resilient, and determined to make a fresh start after her husband Rory leaves her and their son Jamie.

But when Jamie disappears on the day they were supposed to move to Kent, Molly’s new life takes an unexpected turn.

As Molly settles into her new community, she befriends her neighbours, Florence, and Colonel Bryce Beckwith, who share their own stories of love, loss, and longing for second chances.

The three of them navigate their regrets and come to realise that it’s never too late to make a change.

Second Chances is a poignant, multigenerational tale of connections and community, showcasing the unbreakable human spirit and the hope that can come from taking a leap of faith.