A Northern Light in Provence by Elizabeth Birkelund

 

Isle Eklund lives in the cold and frozen, isolated Greenland. She translates books from French and Danish to English. She lives in an isolated cabin where she locks herself away with only daily visits to local cafe. It has been her refuge since her brother died. Isle’s one desire is to visit France, to the country of the language she loves.

Given the opportunity to translate a Provence troubadour  poet’s work, Isle bravely requests two weeks there to learn the nuances of his words.

In Provence amid vibrant colors and a more vibrant language, she comes alive, warmed by the sun and the poet. 

This is the story of a lonely isolated woman seeing life from a truly colorful perspective. The words on the page will draw you into another world as seen through Isle’s eyes.

One Moment by Becky Hunter

 

A heartbreaking beautiful novel of a sisters-like friendship that tragically ends. One woman struggles with grief and a debilitating illness. The deceased woman drifts in and out of the present and past memories causing her to reflect on her life. Her running commentary on her friend’s life is insightful as she deals with her life and progression after death. 

It Must Be True Then by Luci Adams

 

To be honest, it took me a while to get into this book. I almost decided to forget it but all of a sudden, I was enjoying the story. It is mainly due to Archie, Bailey, and Cara-all three down to earth characters. Daisy is irritating and self-absorbed in many instances. Her growth through the book pages is refreshing. 

It definitely ended up being an enjoyable novel.

Strange Folk by Alli Dyer

 

Folklore and magic weave a tight thread through all of the Buck family. Some members embrace it for good, others for bad, and others ignore it or battle it. 

In this story of a family caught in a web of deceit and evil magic, Lee returns home with her two children seeking peace and comfort. Instead, she and her family encounter malevolent and nefarious workings designed to destroy them all.

The ties of family shine through on the pages even though relationships are strained and the magic of lost bonds is tested. A very engrossing novel.

All We were Promised by Ashton Lattimore

 

A deep and informative look at the happenings in Philadelphia pre-emancipation and the imagined lives of three women. The story relates the tense atmosphere in a city where freed slaves dwell-some in poverty, others rising to create an elite class. The women are from three different classes-Nell is rich, Charlotte is a servant to her father, and Evie is a slave desiring to be free. The city explodes almost daily from tension as Nell and Charlotte strive to find a way to free Evie.

Sometimes long and drawn out, the story slows many times as it progresses.

Becoming Marlow Finn by Ellen Won Steil

 

This is a very eerie and creepy thriller with twists and turns, each one crazier than the next. Marlow’s character is spine-chilling. You never really grasp her entirely and so many interactions are disturbing-especially the effect she has on Isla. Not a book I will reread but certainly one I will definitely remember.

Marrying the Nanny by Dani Collins

 

A very endearing story of resolving conflict on many levels. Half-brothers with no relationship are literally forced to come to terms with the responsibility of their orphaned baby half-sister. The men cannot relate to an infant and depend on the direction from her nanny. The nanny is protective of the infant and brings the men to their knees in defense of the innocent child. I loved reading how the men grew in their relationship and in relation to the infant. Plus, there is romance in the offing.