The Shell Seekers, by Rosamund Pilcher.... I avoided it for many

[Flaxbee]

years, the title, the cover, any number of things made me think of teddy bears and 'country kitchens' and had me avoiding the book like the plague.

But recently my mother, who shares much of my taste in fiction, read it and enjoyed it, so I gave it a shot.

I'm about halfway through it, and I love it. Read it every snatch of time I can find.

Who else here has read it and what did you think? And can you recommend any other books that I might want to read afterward? (I hate finishing a book I've loved. I feel so forlorn).

[Pithy]

1. one of my favorite books

When you're done with it, try 'September' by Pilcher. It picks up the story with her son. I've read her other stuff, too, and it's good but not as epic as 'The Shell Seekers.' Both 'September' and 'Shell Seekers' are excellent, imho.

I agree about feeling forlorn when I'm done with a good book. I go back and read Shell Seekers at least once every couple of years. I was also reluctant to read her books but ended up loving them. If you're in the mood for more books with such relatable characters, try Maeve Binchy. Another author I resisted for fear her works would be too cutesy and ended up enjoying all of them.

[Flaxbee]

5. I don't much like Noel in this book, but I just read an Amazon review

and it sounds like he grows up; sounds like a great book. I'm so relieved to have a follow up to TSS!

Thanks re Maeve Binchy... I think I tried one of hers and it started out, or seemed, very depressing. Might just not have been in the mood for her writing then. Can you recommend one by MB that you particularly enjoyed? My life feels very stressful right now - moving, new but not necessarily secure work, etc., which is why I've enjoyed TSS at this point in time (aside from the fact that the writing, and the plot, are very engaging): it's soothing.

[laureloak]

2. All of Pilcher's books are good.

I like her writing because it's soothing and I enjoy books about relationships. When looking for used books I always go for Oprah's picks and I'm seldom disappointed. Favorites that come to mind are:

The Poisonwood Bible
The Education of Little Tree
Stones in the River
A Story Like the Wind and A Far Off Place
Any book by Daphne Du Maurier.

And an absurd but fun read: One Hundred Years of Solitude

[Flaxbee]

6. Loved The Poisonwood Bible; loved all of Kingsolver's books

Haven't read any of the others you list; I'll check them out. And I agree, TSS is very soothing.

Thanks!

[Rhiannon12866]

3. I think I've read all of Rosamond Pilcher's books...

I was a voracious reader until I got hooked on the internets... ;)

My favorites of hers were September, Coming Home and Winter Solstice. :-)

If you like those, you might also enjoy those by Maeve Binchy. She's Irish (was the teacher of a family friend) and her books are set in Ireland, around the same era... My favorites of hers were Light a Penny Candle and Echoes, though I read all of hers, as well. :hi:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maeve_Binchy

Fortunately for you, both authors are fairly prolific. I know what you mean, kept picking up Echoes again long after I finished it... My mother has read them all, too. :D

[Flaxbee]

7. What a cute puppy face!

Thanks for the MB recommendations, I'll check them out. I'm going to get September next, I think, then will look for the others.

[Rhiannon12866]

11. Thanks!

That's my puppy, Jack, though he's three now. He's a Brussels Griffon, pet shop rescue, and quite a personality, as you probably can tell... ;)

Jack:loveya:


And September is a good choice, since it stands alone, and even a male friend really enjoyed it, let him take it when he made a long plane trip. Actually, my aunt now has my copy, don't know if I'll see it again, since it's been a few years... :shrug:

They should be available in paperback, or you can find them at the library, since they're popular books. :hi:

[oregonjen]

4. Loved it!

I read, re-read that book many years ago. I saw the made for tv movie, but it really didn't give the book justice. I also read September. Really good!

Right now, I'm making my way through the Harry Potter series. I tried to get into these books for a couple of years and tried again just recently. This time, it worked. I'm loving them.

I know this series has gotten a beating here on DU, but I loved the Twilight books.

[Flaxbee]

8. Another cute puppy face!

I'm going for September next...

I got through the first 5 Harry Potter books, then lost interest. Perhaps I'll go back and finish the series in a little while.

Haven't read the Twilight books, but I know many people really have enjoyed them. Have you seen any of the movies?

[oregonjen]

9. My dog is my lap warmer and companion

He chews his bones in the evening on my lap while I read.
Yes, I've seen the Twilight movies and enjoyed them a lot. I have a teenage daughter in love with Robert Pattinson. Her room is a shrine to him and the movies. :)

[Jane Austin]

10. I read it by the fire during a cold Tennessee winter

as I recovered from surgery.

I loved it.

I always hum of For All the Saints when I think of that book.

[MaineDem]

12. I love her books

I want an Aga now.

[mainer]

13. One of my favorite books of all time

It left me sobbing at the end. Be warned.