Her first novel is imaginative, funny, interesting and original. Samantha Whipple is the last of the Brontes and has never believed in the secret inheritance that some believe her family has been hiding for years. But perhaps she is wrong??? A great read that keeps you guessing to the end while you learn all about the Brontes – what could be better?

Kai Vauss is an unconventional mother at best but she is all Paula has and she is determined to have her mother all to herself. In her efforts to do just that Paula makes a call that lands her mother in jail and herself in foster care. She spends the rest of her life trying to atone for that mistake. The book is signature Jackson – wise, funny and heartbreaking, keeping you wondering to the end just how any of this can ever be made right – but it can!!!!

The return of Spark, prodigal son of a charismatic preacher sets off events that rock the world of this tiny island. His son, Hally has been raised by his brother, Hugh when Spark ran off after his birth. Slowly the secrets unfold as the family learn about forgiveness and healing. Witty, thought provoking and filled with characters that make you laugh and cry – a great second novel by Elizabeth Kelly (Her first was grand as well – the Last Summer of the Camperdowns)

Harriet is a creative, snarky, smart 11 year old whose younger brother, Irwin, has hydroencephalitis (sp?). He adores her – she’s trying to devise ways to kill him. She hates her stepdad – and her birth dad is not much better. She makes some heartbreaking decisions and Irwin is left figuring it all out as he grows up. The book is beautifully written, funny, ever-so-sad with terrific characters. A definate bookclub pick!

Did you read The Dante Club by Matthew Pearl? Yes, you should. He writes historical fiction with a million twists – his books are filled with adventure, humour, plot twists and characters with whom you will have a love/hate relationship. Bookaneers are people who steal manuscripts from famous authors to sell on the black market – before copyright laws between Britain and the US. The bookaneers in this book are looking for Louis R Stevenson who is said to be hiding away on an island and writing his final masterpiece.

I LOVE LOUISE ERDRICH! This is the story of a man (Landreault) who accidently kills 6 year old Dusty, his best friend’s son. Landreault and his wife (she is reluctant) give their youngest son (LaRose) to Peter and Nola to attone for their lost boy. The story is about how each family copes with grief, loss and the ties that bind these modern-day Ojibway people – there are several sub-plots and equally interesting characters in the book. I loved them all!

Along the same lines as The Yonahlosee Riding Camp for Girls (if you didn’t read it – you MUST) – Joan and Cece are best friends from childhood and Cece spends her life trying to understand and garner her friend’s ever shifting attention. I loved the relationship between the two and, although Cece infuriated me at times, I could understand her helplessness in the face of Joan.

Prudence is an 11 year old British girl sent to live in Jerusalem with her irresponsible dad. She becomes enamored with Eleanora who is married to a Jewish man fighting to overthrow British rule. William Harrington, a post world war II pilot, arrives to further complicate the lives of everyone. The novel is fast paced, lots of twists and turns, lots of historical details about the British occupation. Mostly I loved Pru and felt heatbroken for her.

Deb and Jack’s daughter, Kay, inadvertantly opens a box intended for Deb – the sender? Jack’s disgruntled lover. The contents? Some gritty love letters that would shock any adult let alone an eleven year old. Kay shows the box to Simon, her sixteen year old brother. Deb is next on the list of readers .. you can guess how much trouble Jack is in for. This is a wise look at the consequences of the mistakes we make – and the way lives untangle and fall back together again. Great debut by Pierpont.

Lars and Cynthia marry and produce Eva – the love of Lars’ life and the bane of Cynthia’s existence. Cynthia leaves, Lars dies suddenly and Eva’s life unfolds among the kitchens of the Midwest! Quirky characters whose lives intertwine throughout the novel – it all comes together in a great ending. Funny and wise – this is a great read.