Three books I’ve just finished; each completely separate, but each fully interesting and excellent reading. The first is Andrew Gross’ latest; NO WAY BACK, and once you are about one third of the way into the plot, you fully understand his choice of title. Beginning in a small town in Mexico with the assassination of three college students from the University of Denver, continuing to the frame-up of a Connecticut mother in the murder of a journalist, and the revelation of the murderous plot against a complete family, the action never stops.
Previously, Andrew Gross has written several books in collaboration with James Patterson, and then has seven books of his own to his credit. His research seems impeccable; his plot moves and moves and the characters could be someone you meet or even a neighbor. We have several of his books on the shelves; do stop by and see if one appeals to you.
Second on the list is Barbara Delinsky’s book, THE SECRET BETWEEN US. She is a new writer for me, and one I thoroughly enjoyed. Traveling home one evening a mother and her daughter become intricately involved in a tragic automobile accident concluding with the death of a man, a teacher at the local high school. Grace, the daughter, is driving the car when the man unexplainedly runs into the car from the adjoining forest. Deborah, the mother, wants to shield her daughter from any legal problems and declares to the police chief that she is the driver of the car. The plot grows and grows from this unfortunate beginning, concluding with the stunning explanation of the motive of the accident victim.
Ms. Delinsky’s writings are very easy to read, not too many complications in the plot that become difficult to follow, although it becomes an unfortunate but also highly believable occurrence in current family life.
But, the most enjoyable book was Bridget Asher’s THE PROVENCE CURE FOR THE BROKENHEARTED, concluding with the author’s explanation, background and recipes at the end of the book. Do read this part as you finish this novel; it will make the plot and characters all that more enjoyable.
In the beginning the reader finds a somewhat unusual family of a French mother, an older daughter who is marrying her lover of more than eight years, and a still grief stricken wife with her young son. Heidi, the widow, continues to mourn the loss of her husband, but she attempts to keep him alive for their son with “Henry” tales of the happenings in their life. Her mother, who still owns a home in a small community in Provence, firmly believes that it is time for Heidi to get on with her life, and also believes that the house carries a magic power for those who live in it, but need a settlement in their life. And so, Heidi with Abbott, her son, and Charlotte, her niece, venture into France to see about the necessary repairs to the house, and to try to put their lives in order.
Description of the countryside, the mountain before it, the local happenings on holidays, and the people involved in this book are stunning. The description and menu of a special dinner are recreated in the author’s acknowledgment with a menu and recipes of the dinner. Needless to say, I’m saving a copy of the recipes for my own. I loved this book, and look forward to reading many more by this author; she is a total delight!
We in the Library have been so lucky with donations from many residents and patrons of our Library of previously read books; if you’re searching for a book to read on a trip and don’t want to be bothered having to renew or return it, do check out the lower two shelves in the entry of our Library of books for sale. There are many books there, by many authors, and I’m certain you won’t be disappointed. Monies from these sales go to supply us with paper and other necessary items.
