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This is the third novel that I have read by Brenda Novak. She is an author who has a talent for writing engaging characters and plots. Those who enjoy women’s fiction may want to read this one.

This time, the primary protagonist is Natasha (Tash). For reasons that readers will discover, her childhood was not easy. Now, Tash is an adult. She thought that she was just where she wanted to be. Tash completed medical school, married and had a son. As the novel opens, many things are falling apart. (No spoilers although it is hard not to include them). Tash is doing her best to readjust and adapt.

Another primary character, Mack, has known Tash since she was in high school. What will happen in their relationship? There will be at least one surprise (again no spoiler so will not stay what).

In addition to telling Mack and Tash’s stories, readers spend time at Tash’s job, with her son and more. They also follow some plot strands that have to do with Mack’s brothers. Read the book to find out more.

In my opinion, this novel has a subtext about who and what makes a family. Also think about who finds whom as per the title.

All in all, another good read from this popular author.

WARNING: Many reviews and the book descriptions on sites like Amazon tell things that I was careful not to include in this review. Also note that this title is part of a series. I have not read the other entries and did not find that to be a problem.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Dragonfly by Leila Meacham

by joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviewsNovember 24, 2019

So many historical fiction titles on WWII have been published.  I think that this has to do with many important anniversaries and commemorations and perhaps also because it was a war in which the right thing seemed clear.  As a result, it seems that some look back on the war almost nostalgically even while noting and recalling its enormous tragedies.

So, I wondered if I wanted/needed to read another title set in this time period.  I will emphatically say yes (!) as I very much enjoyed Dragonfly.  In my opinion, this is by far the author’s bests book.

Dragonfly tells the story of five people who are recruited as spies in occupied France.  The backstory of each character is fully explored and I cared about each of them.  These characters are an athlete from Texas with German roots, a young man whose biological father turns out to be an important fighter in the French resistance, a fly fisherman, a fashion designer and a fencer.  Three are men and two are women.

Each is embedded in Paris and interacts with the main German characters in the story, some of whom are described sympathetically.  Code named Dragonfly, the team gets to work.  There is much suspense as they do so and this aspect of the story is handled beautifully by the author as the plots and characters intersect.  At times, I truly worried for these characters especially as the beginning of the book states that one of them may well have died while on their mission.  The suspense is indeed suspenseful.

I highly recommend this title for those who would like to sink into a long (577 pages) and absorbing story.