The Scent of Oranges

by

Kathy George

Nancy has spent her whole life on the vibrant and gritty streets of Victorian London, first as one of Fagin's child pickpockets and now on the arm of violent and mercurial Bill Sikes. Nancy does what she must to get by. She's attuned to the harsh realities of life, but also knows how to find moments of beauty amid the grime, even if it is only the scent and taste of an orange - its miraculous colour and form.

When she embarks on a relationship with enigmatic gentleman Mr Rufus, it awakens emotions she's never felt before, and makes a better life feel possible for the first time. But when she takes cherubic orphan Oliver Twist under her wing, something even more elusive and appealing seems to be within reach: redemption.

This captivating tale of love, sacrifice, and the battle between good and evil showcases the power of compassion in a world tainted by darkness.

REVIEW

We all know the story of Nancy in Oliver Twist, but this story is her own, in her "own words". 

Nancy has been brought up on the streets and for many years under the guidance of Fagin and since meeting Bill Sikes, she has to be wary of what she does and who she sees because one wrong word could cause trouble for Nancy, usually by Bills' hand or belt.

When Nancy is working the streets, she is introduced to a gentleman by the name of Mr Rufus. He is kind to her and treats her well, something she is not used to, so she is on her guard at all times, but she has feelings for him that she has never had for anyone else before.

When Oliver Twist is brought in to Fagin's den, Nancy feels nothing but warmth and love for the boy, but when he escapes Fagin's and Bill's clutches, she feels she has to try to keep him safe, even if it means putting her own life in danger. 

I truly loved this book. It is written so well, a bit like a memoir by Nancy herself and her life in Victorian London. We all know the story of Oliver Twist and how the story ends, but it's the bits in between where we get to know the real Nancy and what a lovely, kind, warm character she is. 

I really didn't want this book to end.

 Every Christmas Eve

by

Emma Heatherington

'Tis the season for second chances…

Lou and Ben fell in love as teenagers at the Ballyheaney Christmas Eve party. Every winter, they saved the date for each other. Until everything changed one fateful night…

Now, after years away, widower and single dad Ben is back, determined to revive the legendary party. But with only two weeks to make it happen, they need help. So Ben turns to the one person he could never forget: Lou.

As the days tick down to another Christmas Eve together, old feelings and memories resurface.

Will Lou and Ben seize this chance to rewrite their very own love story?

REVIEW

Every year there is a Christmas Eve party at Ballyheaney House, the home of Ben and his family. Lou loves helping out and when Lou and Ben have to deliver a foal on Christmas Eve, it seemed their relationship deepened from that day, but when Ben goes away to university, they have to make some serious decisions and it seems Christmas Eve will never be the same again. 

Years later, Lou has come back from New York where she lived with her daughter Gracie to settle into a cottage back in the Irish village where she was born and has opened a florist/coffee shop. A couple of weeks before Christmas a customer comes in and instantly Lou recognises the voice...Ben. He is back to help organise the Christmas Eve party again, which is the first in over 20 years.

Ben is now a widower with a 12 year old daughter called Ava, but doesn't live in the village anymore, so has to visit to help organise the party at weekends. He asks Lou if she would help with the arrangements (like old times) and she agrees. Surely this can only mean one thing? that they could rekindle their relationship? But many things have changed over 20 years and there are secrets that both of them need to share to be able to move forward...

I loved this book and the author's writing is just so easy to get into. It has a great mix of characters and I have to admit, I had a sob towards the end (good job I was on my own!). I really didn't want this story to end.