The Comfort Book Club / A Sky Painted Gold by Laura Wood

Welcome to this month's Comfort Book Club discussion! My Mum, Donna, and I are chatting about June's book choice, 'A Sky Painted Gold' by Laura Wood. There are spoilers in this chat, as we're assuming you have read the book if you watch. Special thanks to the readers who sent voice messages for this video, which were included in our discussion:
Jason in New Zealand
Heather in the USA
Cristina in Spain
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[janetsmith]

THAT STRAWBERRY DRESS!!!! How perfect is that?? 🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓

[stelladollies]

In addition to the delightful discussion of the book I was charmed by the pink and white Canterbury Bells on your table ... stunningly beautiful! Smiles, Stella

[IsabellaMassardo]

Thank you, Miranda and Donna! This channel has become such a treat for me, with great book recommendations. Every Friday, as soon as I finish my work for the week, I look forward to watching one of the videos and write down the recommendations. My to-read list is getting longer and longer 😀

[susanekins]

Thank you, Miranda and Donna. I just finished the book as I was listening to an audio version. I'm so glad you introduced me to this fun and uplifting summer read. The story reminds me a bit of the movie Sabrina, which I loved also. Now I want to eat some scones. I always enjoy the Comfort Club.

[jasonlow]

Dear Miranda, thank you (and thank you Donna) for such a joyful discussion of A Sky Painted Gold. You have hit the nail on the head (rem acu tetigisti) about how part of the book's appeal is nostalgia for the self; the story reminded me of that last summer of my youth before going out and journeying into the bigger world. All the best, Jason

[martialiafiles]

Thank you both so much for another charming half hour. I so look forward to spending this time "with you." Also, thank you for encouraging us to read this book, which I would not have picked up otherwise. It was very enjoyable, with so many delicious details...though I like the more comfy world of Lou's origins over the glitzy glamour. My eldest half siblings did call their parents by their first names, growing up in the States in the 30s & 40s. Their mother had read, and agreed, that it fostered a different kind of relationship, perhaps less formal. I always called my parents Mom & Dad however, having been born in the 70s when those parenting theories had faded I suppose. My own children, though young adults now, still call us Mama and Daddy.

[teresaparkins]

Hello Miranda and Donna, I am sorry I am so late to comment. I absolutely loved Laura Wood's book and didn't want the story to end. When I was aged eleven to eighteen we didn't have a specific genre for young adults and I didn't feel I was reading here something for a specific age group. I thoroughly enjoyed Laura's writing style. Donna was right that we didn't start to celebrate being eighteen until the late 1960's and that was because the coming of age was reduced from twenty-one. I felt that place was really important to the story and particularly liked the way Laura created a different atmosphere when describing the visit to London. It was a delightful summer read, thank you so much for choosing it. Happy reading, Teresa 📚

[jopreston]

I do enjoy your book club sessions. However this was not a favourite book of mine. It was definitely a young persons book and very naive but I always enjoy the chat and listening to other comments. So looking forward to the next book. Thank you.

[DianeC]

Hello! I enjoyed this book very much. I especially enjoyed the relationships of all the characters. I sighed with relief with the ending, as well as smiled with satisfaction. It was a book I would have missed it you hadn't named it for the bookclub, so thank you for the pick. You both looked lovely today. And those flowers in the background were beautiful. Have a great weekend! 🫖📚💐👍💕💕

[joysedgwick]

Gorgeous setting Miranda, your dress is perfect. I’m a bit late listening as I resisted your book choice at first, thank goodness I gave in! I loved the book, it took me back to the pleasure I had from Georgette Heyer back in the 60s. The detailed descriptions of the transformation of the house were so well written I thought and even at my ripe old age I could appreciate Robert Cardew!!

[bookprincess]

So EXCITING: the german edition of "A sky painted gold" is translated by Antonia Michaelis, herself a very good writer of books for children from 8 up to young adults of 16 years.
I so much love and enjoy your channel ❣️

[besottedorchids]

What a breath of fresh air you and your mom are. Thank you so much, I enjoy just listening while I work around the house or in the garden.

[nancyfritz]

So much to love about this novel and it definitely had me reminiscing about my 18th summer. The typewriter was especially poignant to me. I also received a typewriter for my 18th birthday (along with a silver typewriter charm for my bracelet). It was electric, sparkling blue with a nifty carrying case. I have no idea how my Mom afforded it. I was the first in my family to graduated high school and would soon go to college 300 miles from home to pursue my dream to be a nurse. Much like Lou's family, it was my family's way of telling me they believed in me and supported my dream.
I found myself thinking of "Little Women" as I read. In addition to Lou sharing Jo's strong passion for writing, her relationship with her sister reminded me very much of Jo and Meg.
Thank you Miranda and Donna for another great bookclub discussion and as always, I love your flowers!

[northangelleather]

Miranda, I just wanted to simply say that you and your mother are a joy! You are a huge light of positivity to people all over the world who are feeling the pinch of darkness right now. Thank you both so much for keeping a joyful way of living alive and for sharing it with us.

[gretchen]

Hi Miranda and Donna! I thoroughly enjoyed A Sky Painted Gold. Like one of your callers, I found myself smiling while reading the book, especially towards the end. I appreciated the strong sense of family and how Louise took her own family somewhat for granted. It wasn't until Robert and Caitlin visited her family that she began to realize she had something they were envious of. Thanks for recommending this book. I look forward to reading more by Laura Wood.

[mariacristinabuenoasensio]

Dear Miranda and Donna, another marvellous discussion with a beautiful decoration as always!!!! Lots of love for you and all the members of this lovely community!!!

[lisabrady]

I must say the flowers look as joyful as the book made me feel whilst reading. It was a book that put a smile on your face making it a perfect comfort read. I love the bright summery feel to the video which was so pleasant to watch whilst in the midst of winter in the southern hemisphere. Thank you for another lovely video and "Happy Birthday" to Donna!

[lindahenderson]

I suspect that Jason is an aspiring writer. He speaks so eloquently.
Ladies, thank you . It’s been another lovely visit with you as I enjoy my cuppa.
Best wishes.

[asan]

Thank you Miranda and your Mom as well.

[karenwhite]

A Sky Painted Gold was just as much a delight on the second reading as it was on the first. Gorgeous setting and I love all the characters, especially Louise, her family, Robert and Caitlin and also Robert's fiancée Laurie, who is kind, generous and quite unconventional in her attitudes, way ahead of the time period. Caitlin seems so frivolous on the outside but it's obvious almost from the start that her outward carefree manner is hiding inner turmoil. It's lovely how the friendship between Caitlin and Lou develops. The descriptions of all the parties, clothes and the shopping in London for Louise's 18th birthday party are wonderful. Of course the happy endings made me happy too, I don't like sad endings! Laura Wood is a talented YA writer, her characters have depth and definite appeal to today's younger readers too. I immediately bought A Snowfall of Silver and Under a Dancing Star, both are also delightful reads.