Author: Anne Brontë

There is a reason the “Classics” are classics – they are good no matter what era you are reading them in.

Due to failing family fortunes, Agnes becomes a governess to children of varying ages in a series of wealthy estates. In her last placement she forms an attachment to a young clergyman. When Agnes’ father dies she moves back home where she and her mother start a small school. Eventually the clergyman finds her and, you can imagine, they live happily ever after.

This is the first novel in this huge book; I will get to them all eventually!

Goodreads Rating * * * * *   (Thanks to Dad, I love the classics)

Author: Karen Lenfestey

It has often occurred to me that foster parents must struggle with emotions when their foster child is either returned to their home or adopted. With the right set of foster parents and the right child I imagine the emotional links can form quickly.

In this book we are introduced to Bethany, a single parent to her foster child Willow. Willow’s first six years were difficult when she lived with her mother, who is now serving time in jail. Willow had an older half-sister; she lives with her birth father who has had to overcome some difficult circumstances to become the father he wants to be.

Everything ties up quite neatly in the end, perhaps too neatly.

Goodreads Rating * * *

Author: Faith Hogan

Another book about a cheating husband – or is it really cheating if he marries two other women without ever divorcing his first wife? Although all the wives knew about one another they all assumed they were still married to their husband. If there had never been a divorce then you can see why they would have that impression; although if he actually married the next one in line you would assume he had divorced the previous wife. None of these particular details come to light until Paul dies unexpectedly in a car accident with a pregnant woman who might easily be the next wife-to-be. The women are portrayed as strong characters and it didn’t feel odd that they never knew what was going on, although it seemed odd that no one was bitter.

The book got an extra Goodreads star as it is set in Ireland, Dublin and Howth to be specific. Pat and I spent a wonderful, windy day in Howth when we were in Ireland.

Goodreads Rating * * *

Author: Suzanne Jenkins

I think this was a freebie through BookBub – at least I hope it was free as I’d hate to think I paid anything for it.

Jack collapses and dies suddenly, leaving his wife, Pam, and two children. At the moment he collapses he is having an argument with his brother who, once Jack collapses, steals his wallet. When Pam gets to the hospital to say goodbye another woman has just come out of the room where Jack’s body is being kept.

So far not a bad scenario. But it just gets worse. Jack had a long-standing affair with Pam’s sister, his other mistress is pregnant, Pam’s mother-in-law is horrible, and her sister- and brother-in-law both end up in jail. Just when you think it is over, both Pam and her sister end up with AIDS and his mistress is HIV positive.

This is #2 in a series of 5 but there is no way I’ll ever read another one.

Goodreads Rating * (and I’m being generous)