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Things You Didn’t Know About Chimneys
John Hughes’ Things You Didn’t Know About Chimneys is a quirky, character-driven tale set in the fictional village of Piddly Bottom. The story follows the pompous Syngen-Hyde family, particularly the clueless Lord Charles and Lady Priscilla, who inherit the crumbling Monkspew Manor. As they hire the hapless but well-meaning Bert Bogglethrop and his ragtag crew to refurbish the property, chaos unfolds in a series of oddball adventures. At the center of it all is young Millicent, the quiet niece with a tragic past, who slowly uncovers more than just soot in the manor’s ancient chimneys. Part farce, part folk tale, the book is packed with eccentricity, old-school British humor, and a surprising heart.
I found Hughes’ writing incredibly charming. His characters are cartoonish and exaggerated, and that’s the point. Bert Bogglethrop, with his sardine-scented suit and wheezy van named Jenny, had me laughing. I genuinely loved the way Hughes commits to the ridiculousness. The dialogue is full of clever turns, regional slang, and enough cheeky wit to fill a chimney flue. But it’s not all slapstick. There’s something quietly touching about Millie’s journey. How this overlooked, lonely girl finds courage and belonging in a house full of ghosts, literal and metaphorical.
There’s a lot of setup, a lot of jokes, and a lot of shouting. Some chapters meander like Bert’s van, and not every punchline lands clean. The villains, especially Charles and Priscilla, are so delightfully detestable that I found myself wishing for a sharper emotional payoff. But honestly, I didn’t mind the detours. The story has a cozy, fireside rhythm. There’s a homespun charm in the way Hughes writes, like a tall tale being told in the back room of a village pub.
Things You Didn’t Know About Chimneys is a playful, warm-hearted read. I’d recommend it to anyone who enjoys old-fashioned British humor, offbeat characters, and a bit of magical mischief tucked between soot and rafters. It’s perfect for fans of Roald Dahl, Terry Pratchett’s gentler side, or those who just want a good laugh with a cup of tea. It will absolutely brighten your day.
Pages: 168 | ASIN : B0DSLTHZKD
Harriet: A Jane Austen Variation
Harriet: A Jane Austen Variation, is a slow-burn, historical romance, written by author Alice McVeigh. She takes us on a journey with two radically different women, Harriet Smith, and Jane Fairfax. Unaware of her parentage, shrewd and determined Harriet befriends Emma with a motive to establish herself in society. Will she forsake friendship and love for what she believes will bring her happiness? Meanwhile, reserved and musical, Jane enraptures everyone she encounters, even receiving unsolicited attention. But, when she gets secretly engaged to the man she loves, she is burdened with more than her health can handle. Harriet plays the game to her advantage, while Jane feels helpless with troubles she can’t share even with her loved ones.
Following the points of view of two characters, Alice McVeigh marvelously explores the patriarchal Regency Era. Harriet believes she can make something of her life solely based on whom she gets married to, and Jane believes, irrespective of the circumstances, no one will listen to a woman’s voice over a man’s. The author manages to exquisitely capture their distinct voices in her writing and through their interactions in this entertaining novel. We receive witty insights from Harriet’s chapters and innocently confusing feelings from Jane’s. Harriet is a wholesome, light-hearted romance. I, however, felt that there was one part of the storyline that was left unresolved, leaving me wanting something more. This was somewhat surprising because a crucial part of the story is unaddressed, and what about justice?
Alice McVeigh does not include elaborate character descriptions or partake in world-building; you get acquainted with Harriet and Jane as well as their worlds through their interactions, experiences, and thoughts. This, to me, was an interesting writing style.
Harriet: A Jane Austen Variation is an enjoyable romantic page-turner novel that will delight readers who enjoy Regency period pieces. This satirical spin on a classic piece of British literature will entertain readers who can appreciate the author’s humor.
Pages: 320 | ASIN : B09R4XMRX6
LITERARY TITAN 