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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 Deeming3 days 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 Deeming8 days 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 Deeming14 days ago in BookClub
Rachel Reviews: Lunch Tales: Teagan by Lucille Guarino. Top Story - February 2026.
Well, I did enjoy this! Sometimes, all you need is just great storytelling and this is what Lucille Guarino delivers here. There's no big message to this book; it's just about folks and families, living their lives and coping with everything that's being thrown at them and finding their way. But when it's done well, like it is here, then you have characters to whom you can relate, tension which leaves you rooting for a better outcome, attraction which has your heart racing and an urge, as a reader, to see the characters happy with the people with whom they belong.
By Rachel Deeming16 days ago in BookClub
Rachel Reviews: My Twelve-Year-Old Wife: Erased Memories by Dan Uselton
I do like a time-travel tale and Dan Uselton has created one in this book which manages to deliver tension in spades. Characters try and combat their present without altering their futures irreparably and survive while doing it. It's a tricky thing all in all but I think that Uselton has carried it off.
By Rachel Deeming18 days ago in BookClub
Rachel Reviews: Paradise Cove - They Escaped the Cuckoo's Nest by Pini Dunner
On starting Pini Dunner's book, I was grateful for the thorough history that is provided at the start. This gives a much-needed context in order to enjoy the subsequent letters contained therein. The letters belong to George Nagel, an octagenarian pursuing a psychology degree which in itself would be remarkable; however, it is soon clear that this is just one remarkable thing in a life full of them.
By Rachel Deemingabout a month ago in BookClub
Rachel Reviews: The Spiral Archive by Pieter Hendrik. Top Story - January 2026.
It's difficult for me to know where to start with a review of this book as it was, for me, an entirely unique experience and one that I'll probably never have again. I don't want that to be interpreted as unenjoyable but it has left me scratching my head a little and ruminating on its content, its themes and its characters.
By Rachel Deemingabout a month ago in BookClub
Rachel Reviews: No More Ugly Girls by Thomas Cannon
Auburn Halverson is a young woman who, it must be admitted, is not in an easy place, if indeed she has ever found herself in one. She is a mother of two young girls, `Emma and Jackie and clearly loves them. However, she also feels restricted with the life that having two young children gives her. Her boyfriend, Steve goes out to work whilst she remains at home and having left the district where she grew up to be with Steve, she now finds herself isolated and bored.
By Rachel Deeming2 months ago in BookClub
