26 Comments
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Sarah Harkness's avatar

I'm onto my third Emmy Lake novel now. They are an absolute delight.

Alison Baxter's avatar

I’ve recently read my way through all four Emmy Lake books and loved them. The right mix of humour and sadness. They feel very authentic and well researched too. I have borrowed a copy of Dear Mrs Bird for my home library client, aged 101, and I’ll be interested in her verdict.

Jeffrey Streeter's avatar

I really enjoyed your description of the scene on the beach. It brings it all back!

Deborah Vass's avatar

Oh those Niwaki tools - just gorgeous. I loved Dear Mrs Bird and have just acquired the second, which I am looking forward to greatly. She somehow balances humour and the horrors of the Blitz so brilliantly, she has been a joyful discovery.

June Girvin's avatar

Yes indeed. I have bought two more too.

Diane workman's avatar

I shall be googling Mrs bird, sounds just what is needed….and the car sickness..not me, my sister, holiday trips are meant to start SO early! one time we only got to the end of the road and she was sick! and she did have a habit of saying and pointing “ I was sick there”groan….

Anyway, it meant she got to sit up front and I got squished with pillows, blankets and everything else in the back!

June Girvin's avatar

Yes, yes, that’s exactly it. I sat in the front (cars had bench seats in the front then) between mom and dad. And as for the pointing - That made me laugh out loud. I haven’t been car sick for many years until….a couple of months ago I’d been peering at row and rows of second hand books in a shop and had made myself a wee bit dizzy, on the way home started to feel sick and actually had tp make my husband pull over so I could be sick. Every time we pass the spot now I say, ‘I was sick there…’ !!

Liz Gwedhan's avatar

Another Niwaki fan here. I gave them a mention too this week. And I loved the Emmy Lake books…

jothelibrarian's avatar

Lovely update, and your Niwaki purchase gave me the perfect gift idea for a significant other. Thank you! Also, glad you enjoying meeting Emmy Lake and friends. I found that series immensely cheering, and I think we all need a bit more of that these days. Hope you had a lovely Sunday.

June Girvin's avatar

Thanks, Jo.

Gina Ferrari's avatar

Ah, memories of childhood indeed. Early starts, travelling to Devon or Cornwall in an Old Ford Prefect, and two weeks under canvas. I still can't abide sand!

Valerie Cotter's avatar

Love post June. I never leave home without my little Niwaki secateurs in my bag. Someday, I may be done for possession of a dangerous weapon but until then they are a boon for an opportunist forager.

June Girvin's avatar

So glad you enjoyed it, Valerie.

Katharine Hunter's avatar

I spent childhood holidays in Exmouth where my great-aunts lived. Glad to see that not a lot has changed for people on the beach in Devon. My mother’s hard boiled eggs which always managed to be lightly decorated with sand were a particular highlight!

June Girvin's avatar

I can just imagine it!

Jenny fay's avatar

Thank you again June, I always enjoy reading your posts. I have Dear Mrs Bird in my TBR pile . There are so many books I want to read it is difficult to know where to start. I am currently reading 4 books at once , one of which is Alan Bennetts latest " enough Said" which I am really enjoying.

Best wishes

Jenny

June Girvin's avatar

Thanks, Jenny. I know - so many books, so little time!

Mark Diacono's avatar

And hurray for the Niwaki!

Mark Diacono's avatar

I know it’s mad but I do find a little magic in a blue moon

Amy's avatar

I'm so glad you found Niwaki! Their catalogue is so pretty, like reading a magazine. And now we have matching tote bags!

laura thompson's avatar

Thank you June for the kind mention. You made me long to return to that Spark novel, haven't read it in ages.

I love the memory of the car number plate. Like old phone numbers, I could still (theoretically) ring both my grandmothers...

AJ Pearce's avatar

Thank you so much for your lovely comments about Dear Mrs Bird. I'm so pleased you enjoyed it! I hope you like the others too.

Your childhood travel sickness sounds exactly like mine - a horror for me but probably even worse for the rest of the family! 🤣

June Girvin's avatar

It was torture. And you’re most welcome about Mrs Bird - I loved it.