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The Secret Orphanage by Barbara Josselsohn

Aug16

Extraordinary Acts Of Bravery

The Secret Orphanage by Barbara Josselsohn is a powerful dual timeline novel that consumed me from the start.

The story is set in 1943 in occupied France and in 2018 in America. The storylines are linked by a granddaughter in present day, wanting to find out about her grandfather’s war. And also, about the author of a children’s novel that her grandfather read every night to her as a child.

We see that all is not as she first imagines as her beloved grandfather seems to be hiding a wartime secret. However, even an old photograph is not portraying the truth too. As her grandfather suffers from dementia, will the truth ever be known? Or will it be buried with him?

During the occupation, we witness the bravery of siblings who run a secret Jewish orphanage, right under the noses of the Nazis.

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Witch Hunt by B D Spargo

Aug14

An Intricate Plotline

Witch Hunt by B D Spargo is a fast-paced contemporary murder suspense which I enjoyed. It is the second book in the DCI Liam Doyle thriller series but can be read as a stand-alone. I recommend reading book one first for character development, background and progression.

I enjoyed meeting with familiar faces, and witnessing their interactions, and seeing their support for each other. The inclusion of nick names shows that the characters feel secure with each other.

After an attack in book one, it was good to see the return of an officer. It was easy to empathise with the feelings of fear and uncertainty. B D Spargo certainly puts the reader in the minds of his characters.

The characters are an eclectic mix. The villains are menacing. The law enforcement officers are relentless in their pursuit of justice.

All the characters are fully rounded and believable. The homelife of some is included. We see the pressure of police work on home lives. Doyle’s young son who has autism was extremely well drawn. He brought out the mothering instinct in me.

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Mad Honey by Jodi Picoult & Jennifer Finney Boylan

Aug12

Be Yourself

Mad Honey by Jodi Picoult  & Jennifer Finney Boylan is a powerful contemporary novel that consumed me from the start.

I have always loved Jodi Picoult’s novels and Mad Honey is no exception.

The plotline surrounds a young man, Asher, who is accused of murdering his girlfriend, Lily. The reader follows the trial through the eyes of Asher’s mother after the event; and we hear Lily’s voice leading up to the event. Two women who love Asher. The reader wants to believe that Asher is innocent – but even his mum has doubts.

A major theme is that of being true to yourself. “You’re the only one who gets to decide who you’re going to be. You don’t have to be just like your father.” We must not let anyone mould us into being someone we are not.

It is heartbreaking to see a character suffering at the hands of the bullies. Even their own father bullies his offspring. There is a heartbreaking scene that leaves a youngster powerless.

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The Very Secret Society Of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna

Aug12

Leave A Window Open

The Very Secret Society Of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna is a very charming contemporary fantasy novel that I adored.

As the novel opened, I sank into its’ pages, cocooned with love, and enchanted by the tale to the very end.

The setting is mainly at Nowhere House in Norfolk, which “was… a place made up of fractured pieces that, somehow, had come together to make something whole and wonderful.” It is a house that has become a home to its’ various inhabitants from all sorts of different walks of life. Love is the glue that binds them all together.

Into this atmosphere comes Mika, a young woman who has been hurt throughout her life. For her safety when she was young, a variety of nannies were employed – the result has been isolation and a lack of love. Mika draws away from feelings, knowing that hurt will follow (in her experience). “Mika has been so deeply hurt that she has taught herself to run before she can lay down roots… all you can do is leave a window open… so that one day, if [she chooses], [she] can come back.” Mika is crying out to be loved and to know that there are people who will love her and want her to love them too. “It’s leap of faith to love people and let yourself be loved.”

We learn about the desire not just for a house but for a home. “I want one place I can be myself. I just want a home.” We all long to belong and be loved.

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