Watermill Reading Recommendations - August

The summertime is traditionally a quiet time in book publishing, the major titles being published in the autumn for Christmastime. Alexander McCall Smith breaks this rule with his new novel about the comings and goings of the residents of 44 Scotland Street in “Love Over Scotland”. Bertie continues his struggle against his domineering mother and her henchman, the psychotherapist Dr Fairbairn; Pat has acquired a handsome and mysterious admirer; and Big Lou, as ever, provides coffee and advice for the whole cast of characters. A new author I have discovered is Andrea Camilleri. His latest novel, “Excursion to Tindari” is to be my holiday reading. If you enjoyed the No.1 Ladies Detective Agency this book will appeal. Inspector Montalbano will solve yet another murder in Sicily in his cool calm way at the same time as dealing with the complications of life at Vigata police headquarters.

I am sure that lots of little girls are desperately waiting for the next seven books in the Rainbow Magic series. At the beginning of September Jack Frost is back again, this time stealing the Fun Day Flags, and now everyone is miserable, as the Fun Day Fairies can’t do their job of making each day fun! Watch out for an event connected to these books.

September will also see the publication of the paperback edition of local author Kenneth Steven’s book “The Sea Mice and the Stars”, a beautifully written story of a family of mice.

Christmas and the New year may seem a long time away, but don’t delay the 2007 edition of Marie Hedderwick’s Hebridean Diary is now available. This enchanting little diary would make a special, and practical, gift or memento, but don’t delay as it sold out quickly last year.