Tag: Middle Grade

On By Brianne's Book ReviewsIn Children, Humour, MysteryLeave a comment
Rain Town

Rain Town by Andy Donaldson

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This novel is a wonderful and exciting debut from author, Andy Donaldson!

The plot was intriguing and exciting and very well paced with no slow parts and I particularly liked the author’s portrayal of the characters. The interaction between the three school-friends, twelve-year-old Stanley Rain, Chloe Scott and Billy Bathurst was a delight. Also worth a mention was the way in which Sidney Rain, (Stanley’s dad,) Bobby Bathurst (father of Billy) and Terry Funk bonded when they all found themselves in the same situation as one another.

As well as being rich in wit and humour, “Rain Town” highlights some important issues for the reader about communication, morals and friendship in the modern world.

I wholeheartedly recommend this novel to both adults and older children and I hope to read more of Andy Donaldson’s novels in the future.

Thanks to #NetGalley, Troubador Publishing, and Andy Donaldson for my ARC of #RainTown in exchange for an honest review.



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On By Brianne's Book ReviewsIn ChildrenLeave a comment
The Swish of the Curtain (Blue Door, #1)

The Swish of the Curtain by Pamela Brown

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This book is an absolute fairy-tale and one I am surprised I haven’t already read as a child. Neither the story nor the character development is particularly complex, but those things are unimportant here as it is such a beautifully told tale.

“The Swish of the Curtain” is the story of seven children who form The ‘Blue Door Theatre Company’, renovating a disused chapel and putting on plays. Despite opposition from parents and friends, they finally overcome all obstacles and win a drama competition. It is a heart-warming and magical tale of triumph over adversity.

Originally published in 1941, reading “The Swish of the Curtain” felt like reading something from a bygone world. The book is special as it is simply about growing up with no sense of time or awareness and it is about things being what you want them to be.

Now that I have discovered this book, I think it will be one that I will be reading again.

{Thank you to Edelweiss and Pushkin Press for the free copy of this book and for giving me the opportunity to provide an honest review.}



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