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Rachel Reviews: Sidney Chambers and The Shadow of Death by James Runcie (The Grantchester Mysteries - Book One)
I have already seen some of these mysteries as they have become televised in a series called "Grantchester". As they were enjoyable, I had high hopes for James Runcie's book. I have to say that I have not been disappointed; in fact, this has been a great read.
By Rachel Deeming8 days ago in BookClub
Rachel Reviews: The Junior Officers' Reading Club by Patrick Hennessey
I've read a lot of war literature: poetry, fiction, diaries. It was with some hesitation though that I picked up Patrick Hennessey's account of his time as a soldier and in particular, his tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan. Too recent? Maybe. Too harrowing? Possibly. Too laddish for a middle-aged woman? Most probably.
By Rachel Deeming8 days ago in BookClub
"It's the thought that counts.". Top Story - March 2026.
It's Mothers' Day (Mother's Day? Mothering Sunday?) tomorrow here in Britain. I am going out for lunch and may have to dress up. I am looking forward to it. There is an expectation of gifts too. Who doesn't like a gift?
By Rachel Deeming18 days ago in Viva
Writing for the attention span
I've just started to write a story. Not this one. A fiction. I am often contemplating now why I write on Vocal: do I have a message? Sometimes. Is it for the joy? Always. Is it for engagement? Maybe, depending on what form that engagement takes.
By Rachel Deeming25 days ago in Writers
Rachel Reviews: Bronxville by Lee Stockdale
I went into this collection without reading the synopsis and my first impressions were strong: it felt like a magical mystery tour through one person's experience as it is shaping him. However, it is reflective, being written about in the present with the insight that only comes from being older and more perceptive due to having lived.
By Rachel Deeming27 days ago in BookClub
Rachel Reviews: Ordinatus by C.S. Crane
The Church, whether Catholic or Protestant, has always been a hotbed for speculation and questioning through the ages, not just in our modern times, and Crane has written a timely thriller which combines a gentle exploration of one man's faith, Robert Hescott, with the difficulties his beloved Church is facing from a force attempting to dismantle it.
By Rachel Deeming29 days ago in BookClub
Rachel Reviews: Lakefront Wolves by Joseph Deegan. Top Story - March 2026.
Meet Finn. He's an 18 year old kid who has potential. He's bright with great school scores and he's also an athlete, a footballer of some prowess. He has it all going for him, it would seem, and yet, he's determined to send what could be a well-planned, stable existence firmly off the rails. He drinks, he smokes, he takes drugs, he has violent tendencies and he's in danger of losing not only his mind but all that he holds dear.
By Rachel Deemingabout a month ago in BookClub
Rachel Reviews: The First Call was Mine by Kay Blake
Kay Blake's memoir has everything that I like about a real life recount. It has the confrontation of the past and the troubles that the person has faced; it has candour in its examination of the experiences and the resolutions reached, if that applies; it has humour, recognition, a humbleness to it and an appreciation of where that person is now and a true acknowledgement of the things that shaped them.
By Rachel Deemingabout a month ago in BookClub
Draft Deleting? Don't Do It!. Top Story - February 2026.
Today, I had a little time. I decided that I would have a look at the drafts that I have on Vocal. This is part of a long-term wish to have everything I've written on paper rather than virtually. I've not looked at them for weeks and something drew me to them, just to browse and see what was there.
By Rachel Deemingabout a month ago in Writers
Rachel Reviews: His Eyes: A Novel of Hope from Tragedy by Mark Charles Powers
I really enjoyed Mark Powers' novel which is an uplifting tale to guide and reassure those readers who, having experienced a tragedy of their own, may need to have their faith bolstered and re-centred. But if you're not of a religious bent, don't be put off by its references to God as Powers' mentions of faith are gentle and part of the story. This is not a didactic story, preaching at you - this is a tale of people, doing right by others and looking out for those in need, using the strength that they receive from God's word to act as a spur.
By Rachel Deeming2 months ago in BookClub
