Tuesday, December 8, 2015

A Five Star Review




Five reasons I'm giving Five Stars to:
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows :

1. It's a one-off - Mary Ann Shaffer had the idea for the story for many years
and finally wrote it just before she died. Her niece Annie Barrows finished it for her.

2. I love the story - No worries, I’m not about to give the plot away.
I’ll just say that the story unfolds through a correspondence between Juliet,
a London-based writer, her close friends, and some of the inhabitants of Guernsey,
one of the Channel Islands.

3. The Vintage Vibe - The plot takes place in the aftermath of the Second World War
and touches on friendship and bravery and the magic of books.

4. Shaffer must have read another one of my favorite books -
84 Charing Cross Road. The similarities are obvious but
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society does have its own voice
and darling protagonist.

5. I've had it on my wish list for years and years
but the only copies I could locate on-line were unreasonably expensive.
And then I found it in mint condition in a charity shop for 75p.


Featured: some of my cross-stitched bookmarks.




109 comments:

KC'sCourt! said...

Looks like a book I am going to have to seek out!
Julie xxxxxx

Nancy Chan said...

You have stitched some very cute and pretty bookmarks. Have a beautiful day!

Maya Kuzman said...

Your bookmarks are stunning Amalia! No, enchanting would be a better word because they are magical! As for he book, being a bookworm I got intrigued by the title and the plot too, so I'll try to see if I can find it :)

handmade by amalia said...

Thanks, Maya! I do most of my reading on kindle now so don't need many bookmarks, but I like making them ♥

mamasmercantile said...

Sounds like a great read, I am going to see if I can locate it. I love the bookmarks such beautiful work and made with love they would make great gifts.

September Violets said...

Now I have two books to add to my list! Bookmarks are going the way of the actual books, but yours are so sweet and probably sentimental items now. I framed one my mother gave me, which was given to her by a close friend. It has a little Scottie dog on it and reads "Slip me in your book, please do; I will keep your place for you; And after Christmas I will stay; To wish you gladness every day." It looks like my mom painted the black and white drawing of the dog, and there's a faded red tassel attached.
Wendy

Vickie @ Ranger 911 said...

First of all, I'm glad I'm not the only one who still reads books with paper pages! Your bookmarks are adorable. :o)

Things and Thoughts said...

I've never seen cross-stitched bookmarks, I admit. They are wonderful! And so lovely, tiny details!
Happy countdown to Christmas
Olympia

Kim said...

How fun that you found in a shop!! I love when things like that happen...meant to be for sure. Sweet bookmarks. I still use a paper planner, so I've been using mine in there. I just can't give them up.

La Table De Nana said...

The bookmarks are charming:)
And I too enjoyed this book very very much..a friend had given it to me..

Unknown said...

Thanks for visiting snd linking up at Flash Your Finishes Friday! I love Guernsey and your bookmarks are wonderful!

EG CameraGirl said...

Congratulations for finding a book you've wanted for so long...at a reasonable price. You must have spent hours and hours on those bookmarks. They are wonderful!

Sandi@ Rose Chintz Cottage said...

Your book marks are wonderful, Amalia, and I'm glad you found the book. Thank you for sharing.

Christmas blessings,
Sandi

Betsy@My Salvaged Treasures said...

You have to love those charity shops...and your sweet and creative bookmarks!

France Nadeau ❅ inspiration imagination creation said...

It must be a joy to see one of those beautiful bookmarks when you open a book! I especially love the bookcase (so appropriate) and the row of houses (I never can resist a house motif). :-)

Lorrie said...

Oh, I love this book and have reread it several times. And now you've pointed me to Charing Cross Road - which I have not read and will look for! Your bookmarks are lovely.

Wonky Patchwork said...

This is a book I've been looking out for too, maybe I need to give in and get it through Amazon. Love your bookmarks, especially the squares inside squares, very patchworky!

Diana Studer said...

First the title (must find that book!)

Then your review is a delightful story in its own right. Been reading a between the wars novel, and thinking of my grandmother and the tiny bits of her story we have.

Down by the sea said...

That looks just my type of book! Sarah x

Coastal Ripples said...

Another one to add to my list...it has been on my radar for a long time but your comments have definitely made me want to read it. Barbara

The Charm of Home said...

Love these bookmarks! Great stocking stuffers!

Tricia Buice said...

Sounds like a lovely story. Love your bookmarks

Gumbo Lily said...

Thanks for your review. I've had that book in mind for some years too.
Sweet bookmarks!

Stephanie said...

Sounds like a wonderful book, my friend. Thank you for letting us know about it. And my, your bookmarks are exquisite! Hugs to you!

Lara B. said...

One of our very favorite books Amalia! I just gave a friend a copy to read during her radiation treatments and she loved it too.
Such pretty bookmarks!

Kim said...

The book does sound like an excellent read. Love your book marks, they are all so pretty.

Preeti said...

Lovely bookmarks!!:) I haven't heard of this book, your rating has promoted me to search more about it.

Marilyn @ MountainTopSpice said...

Sounds like a very interesting book with such a high review! I've never heard of it, but am intrigued now :) Your bookmarks are amazing, as all of your work always is!

Enara Girl said...

Very cute things, I haven't read the book but I would like it. xoxo

Wainwright and Wright.Co said...

Oo, never heard of this book but sounds good, thank you for the review! Love all your book marks, you busy lady!
Caz xx

Mrs. W. said...

Hello Amalia,

Thank you for stopping by my blog today - or rather YESTERDAY, now.

I have never read a book by Mary Ann Shaffer. You make it sound very intriguing.

I really like your adorable book marks! Just too sweet!

:)Hope

Vintage Jane said...

You've made me want to read it too. Love the bookmarks!

Anna said...

Lovely bookmarks !
Never read this book...
Hug
Anna

Conniecrafter said...

Love your collection of bookmarks, my daughter made me a beautiful one for Christmas last year!!

Quilting Stories said...

I read this book very pleasantly some years ago. Your sweet bookmarks remind me my childhood!

Benita said...

I'm sold...going to find and read! Love the bookmarks!! Hugs!!

Carla from The River said...

I will hope to find this wonderful book, it sounds like I will fall in love.
I also love your bookmarks. My cousin makes them too, they are so special.
xx oo
Carla

Daniela said...

It sound like a great reading, I'm tempted by your words, my darling Amalia !
Thank you for sharing your review of this book,
I'm taking note of its title.

May the remainder of your week be blessed and joyous
Dany

P.S.: Your bookmarks are really gorgeous :) !!!

Amy at love made my home said...

So glad for you that you tracked it down and that it was so fabulous!!! That is always good isn't it. Sounds like a fascinating tale. Your bookmarks are beautiful! xx

She loves to crochet said...

The book sound like one I'd like, I've visited Guernsey and found it a very friendly place. Lovely book marks, I used to make them before I got hooked on crochet. Hx

The Joy of Home with Martha Ellen said...

I must check out your book recomendation, Amalia. It sounds right up my alley for a good read. And one of your bookmarks would be a lovely accompaniment. Your handwork is always beautiful! xo ♥

Julie's Lifestyle said...

The book sounds interesting! You also made pretty bookmarks!
Thanks for sharing this at Cooking and Crafting with J&J.

Keri said...

Amalia, this sounds like a wonderful book. I'm glad you were able to get a copy at such a bargain! You make very beautiful bookmarks!! :)

Helen Philipps said...

I agree with everything you say about this delightful book Amalia!(I love 84 Charing Cross Road too.)And your bookmarks are gorgeous, perfect to accompany a good read!
Helen xox

Heidi's Wanderings said...

It sounds like a great book that I would like, I'm going to add it to my reading list. And those bookmarks are pretty cool.

Mindy said...

I read this book a couple years ago and loved it!

Amy at Ms. Toody Goo Shoes said...

You've piqued my interest, Amalia. Sounds like a good read. Love the bookmarks!

Sofi Moukidou said...

omg! where can i find those bookmarks?
they are sooo amazing!

DD's Cottage said...

Your bookmarks are gorgeous and the book sounds great too!

Mereknits said...

I love that book, I read it a few years back and just loved the pace, the whole book was fantastic.

Hugs,
Meredith

Diane said...

Wow what gorgeous bookmarks and the books sound great.

Hugs Diane

Jess said...

This is so neat...how fun!

Thanks for joining Cooking and Crafting with J & J!

Thimbleanna said...

Ahhh, we must have similar reading tastes -- I loved that book AND 84 Charing Cross Road too. Cute Bookmarks!

Brewtiful Fiction said...

The front cover gives it a very vintage feel and how interesting to have it finished off by a different writer, intrigued to see whether the writing style changed! thanks for sharing with #readwithme

Enara Girl said...

Have a great week dear! xoxo

Beth said...

We read this in book group. And now I'll have to find 84 Charing Cross Road, too!

Lowcarb team member said...

Your bookmarks look great ... interesting review too.

All the best Jan

Lowcarb team member said...

Your bookmarks look great ... interesting review too.

All the best Jan

VeggieMummy said...

I read that book for my local book group and really enjoyed it. I love your bookmarks too. xx

VeggieMummy said...

I read that book for my local book group and really enjoyed it. I love your bookmarks too. xx

Big Rigs 'n Lil' Cookies said...

Always so exciting to find something you have been waiting for in a charity shop!
Your bookmarks are adorable.

Rosie said...

It is a wonderful book isn't it? I must read it again as it is several years since I first read and enjoyed it:)

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

A friend who left the country several years ago gave me a stack of books and this was one of them. I started reading it but never finished, as is the case with many books I start. I need to make a point of finishing the one I am on right now and then get to work on all the others waiting in the wings. Love the stitched bookmarks. I've not cross-stitched in so long.

Vee said...

Reminiscent of 84 Charing Cross Road? That's all I need to hear. Heading for my wish list now...

Red Rose Alley said...

Amalia, this book sounds right up my alley. :) What cute bookmarks these are. Love the sugar and spice one.

I hope your Christmas season is merry and bright.

~Sheri

FlashinScissors said...

I still read paper books and have quite a collection of bookmarks too! It's lovely to see yours, they are gorgeous!

I will be searching for this book now! Hope you are having a lovely week, all the best!

Barbara xx

kitty@ Kitty's Kozy Kitchen said...

I read that book several years ago and LOVED it, but I've nicer read 84 Charring Cross Road! I love to crosstitch, also.
Thank you for you visit to my blog and your kind comments.

kitty@ Kitty's Kozy Kitchen said...

Oops, I meant never read!!

Unknown said...

Beautiful!! May the magic of Christmas twinkle in your life throughout the holidays and the upcoming new year.

Hugs,

Yelena

Jodiebodie said...

Your cross-stitch bookmarks look like perfect little gifts. Wishing you time to curl up with some lovely books this Christmas holiday season.

akiko hiramatsu said...

I knew the beautiful book on your blog now!
It seems so great with your handmade bookmarks ♡

akiko

TLady said...

Don't you WISH they would REPRINT some books? Your book marks look BEAUTIFUL & even have a vintage flair to them. They're BEAUTIFUL!!!! ;) Thank you for coming over to visit, Amalia!!!!! You are turning out to be a "regular!" LOL HOPE you have a MERRY CHRISTMAS & BLESSED NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!!

Toni said...

What lovely bookmarks! Yet another reason to love real books--the bookmarks!

Mylittlepieceofengland said...

Isn't it lovely to find a really good book xx

Rue said...

It sounds lovely, Amalia and right up my alley ;)

I love your posts and poems. They always put a big smile on my face.

Have a lovely Holiday, my friend.

xoxo,
rue

Liz That Skinny Chick Can Bake said...

I enjoyed that book, too! Your book marks are lovely!

Liz That Skinny Chick Can Bake said...

I enjoyed that book, too! Your book marks are lovely!

Carolina G. Ticala said...

Great post! kiss! 🎄🎄🎄

Carolina G. Ticala said...

Great post! kiss! 🎄🎄🎄

Gloria Baker said...

Amalia what lovely are yours bookmarks ! Love them!!
xoxo

Butterfly 8)(8 Bungalow said...

Nice review, Amalia. I like the needlepoint. xoxo Su

Suzan said...

Lovely crosstitch book markers!! I hope to read some this Christmas break!!

A Joyful Cottage said...

Your bookmarks are charming, Amalia. Thanks for the book review. I know I would like the book from what you shared, and also because 84 Charing Cross Road is one of my favorites. I don't own a kindle or read books any way except by holding hard copies in my hands. I love the feel of turning pages. I'm quite old-fashioned. :) Hugs, Nancy

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

Your bookmarks are beautiful! How talented you are at stitching. And I loved this book too and even convinced my hubby to read it! We both gave it the highest rating! Wish there were more books like this, don't you? Hugs, Diane

handmade by amalia said...

I do! I've been told that I should try Gabrielle Zevin's The Storied Life of A. J. Fikry for an equally good read. It is on my pile but have yet to read it.

handmade by amalia said...

I love 'proper' books as well, and some of the experience is lost, certainly, but I've been 'blessed' with poor eyesight and kindle is a much gentler read. Have a lovely week, Nancy.

handmade by amalia said...

Thanks, Rue. That is the best thing about blogging, you find that there are so many people who really understand.

handmade by amalia said...

That is the very best of wishes, Jodie :-) Thanks.

handmade by amalia said...

If you can't find '84 Charring Cross Road' you can try the movie - it is one of those rare cases when the film is every bit as good as the book.
Thanks for visiting me, Kitty.

Little Wandering Wren said...

It's a while since I read this book but I remember it being equally as charming and beautiful as your book marks. You have surely tempted any others who have not read this delightful novel to ask for it for Christmas!
Wren x

handmade by amalia said...

Did you try any other Helene Hanff books? She finally made it to London and wrote a memoir about that as well.

handmade by amalia said...

Perhaps you'll try it again one day. Just think about sitting there by your bed, getting better and better... :-)

handmade by amalia said...

I'm waiting to re-read it myself! Alas, I have a good memory so it will be a while longer :-)

handmade by amalia said...

How nice, Anna! More things in common! Yey!

handmade by amalia said...

I hope you'll let me know how you like it, Heidi, and happy holidays.

handmade by amalia said...

I wish I could find a lot of copies and give them out as gifts with a bookmark. Why do they let good books go out of print?

handmade by amalia said...

Your bookmark sounds like an adorable treasure, Wendy. I like browsing a favorite book and finding a forgotten bookmark among the pages.

handmade by amalia said...

I make the bookmarks from left-over scraps and mostly they are quite small.

handmade by amalia said...

It seems we all have a list and it's a mile long... :-)
Thanks for visiting me, Barbara.

handmade by amalia said...

I was so happy when I found it. Then I put off reading it in case it wouldn't be as good as I hoped. And then it was.

handmade by amalia said...

They are hiding in my books :-) I make them from left-over scraps of fabric.

handmade by amalia said...

Yes! The Pace! Exactly! When you don't hurry and get where you're going there just in time.

handmade by amalia said...

I think they niece was mostly involved with the final editing. If there was a change, I couldn't tell.

handmade by amalia said...

I thought I may have chosen an obscure title for my first book review but quite a lot of people have read it, it seems. I'm so happy. I think I've already decided on my second...

Mindy said...

I have to comment a second time (already agreed that the book is great) because somehow I missed you also mentioning 84 Charing Cross Road - I loved that book as well! So charming. Both books are ones I will definitely re-read down the road and that is always a compliment. Also your cross stitch is lovely. I used to do quite a bit of counted cross stitch but have not done any for years now. Happy day to you : )

ewa777 said...

I love your beautiful coloured bookmarks:)

Unknown said...

Love your bookmarks!!

Anna said...

Your bookmarks are beautiful! I was looking for something not too big for my little girl to embroider and this ticks the box! And beautiful writing! Anna x

Anonymous said...

Just found your blog and saw this post. This is one of my very favorite books. Will read it again soon. Your photos are beautiful.
Mickie, Indiana USA