Author: joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviews

I love to read, recommend books and open the world of reading to others. I tutor to ensure that the next generation of readers will know the joys of a good book because their reading skills have improved. I am an avid reader, especially of mysteries and fiction. I believe that two of the world's greatest inventions were the public library and eyeglasses!

Now out: The White Lady by Jacqueline Winspear

My Recommendation

I am a huge fan of this author and have read every title in her Maisie Dobbs series. Here she has written a standalone about Elinor White, a character who has had a life of loss, service, action and contemplation.

Winspear’s authorial voice comes through and felt very familiar to me from having read her other works. That said, it took a little while for me to become fully immersed in this title. Once that happened, however, I loved the book and rate it most highly (as does Publishers Weekly which gave this one a starred review.)

The novel covers a wide time period; it starts before WWI and extends to the post WWII period. As the book opens, young Linni lives with her parents and sister in Belgium. The war brings enormous changes to the family. Linni and her sister become saboteurs and they and their mother must subsequently leave the country quickly.

The book then moves to England and follows Linni’s life there. She has many experiences before being recruited to the SOE in WWII. In the post war period, for complex reasons, our protagonist becomes involved in trying to extricate a couple and their daughter from the clutch of their criminal family. Throughout the book, the time moves back and forth as readers experience Linni’s actions and feelings about the things that she has done.

Readers will be interested to see how Linni fares in each of her tasks and time frames. They will also enjoy getting to know the many characters in this story, some of whom, they really should keep an eye on.

All in all, I highly recommend this novel. Bravo Ms. Winspear.

Many thanks to Allison & Busby for this title. All opinions are my own.

From my back list: Any Dream Will Do by Debbie Macomber

Years ago, I got to know Debbie Macomber’s fiction when I read her series that began with 16 Lighthouse Road. I enjoyed spending time with those who lived in Cedar Cove and, from that point on, kept a look out for this author’s novels. She writes easy to read books with characters who are nice.

This title is not part of that series. It is about Shy who has been released from prison after doing something that she felt that she had to do. Now she is starting again and has met a young pastor. The two seem to be hitting it off, even though Drew’s congregation has doubts. Will love triumph? (Hint: it usually does in Macomber’s books.)

In addition to getting to know Shay and Drew, other characters and a community come to life. Spend time here if you are looking for a not too stressful and enjoyable read.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for this title.

This title was published in 2017.