SO SPECIAL: Shakespeare: The Man Who Pays the Rent (Narrated by Barbara Flynn, Judi Dench and Brendan O’Hea)

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This title offers a series of reflections and conversations between Judi Dench and Brendan O’Hea. Originally created for an archive, the two got the idea to publish a book and release an audio title together, and the reader is so lucky that they made that decision.

Readers get to share in Judi’s life and her professional career. Her love for her husband, her daughter and her craft all come across. She is witty, wise, and the entire work was an absolute pleasure.

Judi Dench and her husband, referred to Shakespeare as the man who pays the rent because they were in so many productions over the years. However, Shakespeare never really became routine for them and Judi brought her best self to every performance.

The first play that is reflected upon is Macbeth. Judi Dench very much views it as a play about the relationship between Lord and Lady Macbeth. She sees the deterioration of their marriage as a true tragedy.

Included here are Dench’s thoughts on nineteen plays interspersed with other reflections. A couple of examples of these are Company and Fireside Ramblings.

For anyone who admires Judi Dench or who wants to more deeply understand the bard, the book or the recording is a must.

I think that I can honestly say that this is one of the best audio books that I have EVER listened to. To hear Judi speak on the plays, to quote from them and to just be so real was the most amazing treat. I cannot recommend Shakespeare: The Man Who Pays the Rent enough. I loved it.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for this title. All opinions are my own.

Let’s celebrate: Christmas at the Lake (Anita Hughes)

This book offers a fun story about how “the course of true love” does not always “run smooth” to paraphrase Shakespeare. Readers will turn the pages waiting to see if there is a happy ending. For a book with Christmas in its title, they will surely hope for the best.

Imagine a dating app that matches folks by their hates, not their likes. Would you sign up? Regardless, this is what Rebecca and Ben’s company does. They were a couple about to marry but things went sour.

Rebecca decides to take the honeymoon trip that they were planning. While on this, she sees someone from her past. With lots of tangles, they are somewhat misinformed about one another. Will truths be revealed? Will they lead to happiness? Readers will hope so.

This is a good read for a time when relaxing with a book is on the agenda. Those who like sweet romances set in small places will want to take a look.

Many thanks to St. Martin’s Griffin for this title. All opinions are my own.

This title was published in September 2023.

They will get up to: Sheer Mischief (Jill Mansell)

A number of years ago, I discovered the fun of ordering British books for delivery to the U.S. The very first novel that arrived was one by Jill Mansell. I went on to order a number of others. So, I was quite delighted when Mansell’s books began to be released in the U.S. and there were no more shipping charges.

Mansell’s books offer comfort reads. The characters are likeable, the plots are as involving as they to be with the sense generally that all will end well. That is the case in this case in this story that has warmth and humor.

Janey is rather rudely awakened one day when her sister Maxine arrives along with the police. What is going on? Well, Maxine wants to stay for a while. Will she and Janey get along? Will they find the relationships and lives that they want? Readers can guess the answer; the fun is in getting there.

This book was originally published in the 90s and has been reissued. It and the other books by this author are always entertaining reads.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for this title. All opinions are my own.