Author: Christopher Castellani

This is the second book in a series of three but I didn’t enjoy it as much as the first one. It was nice to have a continuation of Maddalena’s story and a glimpse into her new life in America but the story itself was pretty straight-forward and lacking in details.

Still waiting for book number three to arrive from the library.

Goodreads Rating: * * *

Author: Christopher Castellani

I found an interesting (cheap) e-book on one of my book lists. When I looked it up on Goodreads it was the second book in a series of three. I bought the e-book and ordered the first in the series from the Penticton library. I’m glad I did, and I’ve place an order for the third book.

The story starts in a very small village in Italy during the 2nd World War. The villagers are just getting used to the idea of the war when it is announced that the Allies are taking over the country and Mussolini’s rule has ended.

Maddalena is the youngest of several children and, by everyone’s account, the most beautiful. A poor boy has fallen in love with Maddalena but he has been scorned by her family. As Maddalena’s family retreats to the country until the end of the war, Vito somehow manages to survive by staying in the village.

At the end of the war Maddalena and her family return to the village. But can she persuade her family that Vito is worthy of her?

Goodreads Rating: * * * *

Author: Laura Dave

This was the February pick for Reese’s Book Club; our library didn’t have a copy but I was able to get one in from a library in North Vancouver.

Sunshine Mackenzie is at the top of her game and is heading to new heights. She has a very successful internet following, she has published a line of cookbooks, and she about to start a show on the Food Network. Sadly, Sunshine has no clue how to cook, her recipes are the work of her producer’s wife, and she lives her life in the media spotlight.

In one day Sunshine’s world falls apart when a hacker gets into her accounts and starts to reveal her secrets. In the aftermath she loses her career, her husband and her life. When she is forced to return to her hometown she has to find a way to put her life back together – but will it be her fake life or a real one.

Goodreads Rating: * * * *

Author: Aaron James

There were a couple of reasons I wanted to read this one. First, a documentary based on the book is the opening film at the Film Festival this year. Second, the library were doing a “Philosopher’s Cafe” on the book and they ordered extra copies so everyone would have a chance to read the book before these two events.

I’m glad I missed the Philosopher’s Cafe – when I went looking for it today it has already been done. I’m not sure how they are going to make an interesting movie from the book but the festival selection committee generally get good movies.

Did I learn anything from the book? Perhaps one thing; doing a stupid and/or rude thing doesn’t make you an asshole even if, in the spur of the moment, you call them that. What makes a genuine asshole is someone who is stupid and/or rude and expects to get away with their actions because they are “entitled” and somehow more important than anyone else. Does that remind you of anyone?

Stay tuned for my movie review.

Goodreads Rating: * *