Author: Shauna Singh Baldwin

Although this is a novel, it is inspired by the life of Noor Khan, a woman of Indian descent who worked undercover against the Occupation when the Nazi’s took over France. The story bounces between chapters when Noor is in prison after being detained as a spy, and chapters that tell us about the work she is doing in France. Woven into these chapters is the story of her childhood and the many restrictions placed upon her by her family’s strict religious views.

I liked the book more than I expected. I read another book by this author (in fact I think I read it twice) but I have no memory of what it was about and whether or not I enjoyed it, but this was a good one.

Goodreads Rating  * * * *

Author: Jojo Moyes

I was ready to read something a little lighter and this fit the bill perfectly.

This is the second book starring the character Louisa. The first in the series (Me Before You) dealt with some tough issues, but this was pure enjoyment. The story takes place several months after Will’s death as Louisa tries to move on with her life. There is an interesting cast of characters and, in places, it was laugh-out-loud funny.

Goodreads Rating  * * *

Author: Sonja Larsen

I only read this because the author was in Pat’s writing class at SFU.

The whole story seemed a bit unbelievable, although Pat assures me had I known the author I would have a different opinion, and it isn’t something I would recommend to you. It certainly is a sad tale of growing up, almost without any parental guidance, and it is by no means a parenting how-to.

Goodreads Rating  * *

Author: Lee Mackenzie

This book was being passed along through the Guild; I wouldn’t have bothered with it except the author lives in Powell River.

The story begins when the author meets Kenner Jones on a trip through Wales. Although their meeting is brief they continue a relationship through letters; the relationship soon turns to love (at least on the author’s part). After they marry Lee finds out that Kenner has been stealing her money, as well as money from several others. His string of lies seem plausible in the beginning but soon fall apart when the authorities begin investigating. The deceit and fraud continue over many years.

I’m not sure what the purpose of the book is. The author admits to feeling ashamed over the entire business but I don’t know how airing it all in public helps. I’d give it a miss if I were you.

Goodreads Rating  * *