December 25th, 2015 — what a bittersweet day it will be this year. While my Christmas day will be filled with all the things I love like eating, presents, drinking, being merry and bright, visiting with family and friends, and more eating — there will be a deep sorrow that taints the day. A dark cloud that threatens my Christmas happiness. December 25th, 2015 my friends marks the end the Downton Abbey series. What a dismal moment this will be. What will I do without Carson muttering under his breath or Lady Mary swishing around the halls snapping at Edith? Hopefully, these books will fill the Abbey shaped hole in my heart for a while
For those of you who like to cook this book is filled with Edwardian era dishes that graced the tables of British homes long ago. Since I can’t cook, I’ll pretend I’m Lady Mary and wait for Carson to serve me.
“What is a Weekend?” Ya, I agree with the Dowager, what is a weekend anymore? With each stroke of his pen, Julian Fellowes seems to gift us with a cuttingly dry quip from the Dowager Countess, or perfectly timed words of wisdom from Mrs. Patmore. Here in The Wit and Wisdom of Downton Abbey, Jessica Fellowes has gathered together her favorite quotes from Downton Abbey to ensure we are armed with the very best ripostes should we ever need to chastise an impertinent lady’s maid.
Do you know exactly how to lay a table? To clean your tongue with a whalebone and shine your teeth with a sage leaf? No?! Well then, you need to learn!
Come on it is the official companion to all six seasons, so, of course, it is going to be good. From the moment we first entered Downton Abbey in 1912, we have been swept away by Julian Fellowes’s evocative world of romance, intrigue, drama and tradition. Throughout the book reader’s glimpse at Matthew and Isobel Crawley arriving for the first time, Thomas and O’Brien’s scheming, Anna and Bates’s troubles, and Carson’s marriage to Mrs. Hughes. This book has interviews with the cast, is packed full of stunning location shots and exclusive behind-the-scenes photography.
It is almost Christmas and who wouldn’t want a little slice of Downton with them?
Read about the real Lady of the real Downton Abbey, also known as Highclere Castle, also known as my future home (kidding on the last part—not really).
I was lucky enough to be sent The Song of Hartgrove Hall for review before its publication date, and it’s safe to say I love it, and it is perfect for anyone who loves Downton Abbey. This book has it all: a big beautiful old home, a love triangle, music, and a special relationship between a man and his grandson.
Set in Dorset, England, 1946 and present day this story seamlessly moves between past and present. Harry Fox-Talbot and his brothers have returned from World War II and are determined to save their once grand home from ruin. On New Year’s Eve, candles flicker and guests fill the rooms of Hartgrove Hall— for one night the old home shines. But when the beautiful Jewish wartime singer Edie Rose arrives at the party it leads to a devastating betrayal.
Fifty years later, now a celebrated composer, Fox is reeling from the death of his adored wife, Edie. However, and unexpected connection with his four-year-old grandson – a music prodigy – propels him back into life.The Song of Hartgrove Hall is an enthralling novel about love and treachery, joy after grief.
