The author brings to light many important issues within this novel that were not only prevalent in 1977 and 1978 but in the present too. My Last Summer with You is a story that envelops the reader from the beginning. This story…
Category: Commercial FIction Reviews
A review of All Those Things We Never Said by Marc Levy
Part sci-fi, part magical realism, and all suspension of disbelief, Levy then pulls the reader into a globetrotting journey with Julia and her father, Anthony–or what’s left of him. The android looks exactly like Julia’s father, and she cannot resist asking a few questions along the way.
A review of Love And Other Perishable Items by Laura Buzo
Buzo doesn’t offer a short and sweet, neatly packaged ending, but as the reader learns more about these characters, that type of conclusion wouldn’t fit their situation. Amelia also gains some valuable insight into her family life along the way, as well, and realizes that perhaps things aren’t quite as grim as she’d thought.
A review of The Guardian Angel’s Journal by Carolyn Jess-Cooke
As I read this book, I kept thinking of the films City of Angels and Wings of Desire, both of which focus on the idea of angels walking among us. While Jess-Cooke’s story is actually a bit darker than either of those films, I think the basic premise is the same.
A review of Tea and Biscuit Girls and The Love Immigrants by Barbara Celeste McCloskey
Many works of fiction have been set during World War II. Two of my favourites are the TV Foyle’s War and the movie Yanks. It is a well-known fact, however, that if one assigned the same topic to a room full of fiction writers, each would come up with something unique. McCloskey’s novels show her flair for exploring women’s friendships and feelings and will attract and educate today’s generation of young woman readers about an intense, dramatic time in history.
A review of Blue Skies Tomorrow by Sarah Sundin
Sundin certainly did her homework on the period, accurately capturing both life in the military and on the home front during World War II. This was an era where a family kept their secrets and did not share their troubles with outsiders—not even their closest friends.
A review of Another Broken Wizard by Colin Dodds
Although Colin Dodds doesn’t glamorize a life of strangers, grunt work, living from party to party, he doesn’t portray that the illegal sale of drugs is so bad, either. He does correctly convey the judgment-impaired state of mind when intoxicated.
A review of Asleep Without Dreaming by Barbara Forte Abate
Dramatic tension and reader interest are stirred by revelations about Stella. In flashbacks and in the present action of the novel, she emerges as a self-centred, bitter, thieving whore who hates her own daughter. She parallels another horrible parent in the story. Jesse urges Willa not to waste emotional energy trying to understand her, as some things in life just can’t be understood.
A review of Peaches for Father Francis by Joanne Harris
Peaches for Father Frances is a delicately written, and absolutely engaging story that centres around Vianne’s return to Lansquenet, and her special ability to transcend people’s appearances and cultural trappings, and see into the heart of who they are. This is a beautifully written novel, full of mystery, character growth and excitement with a broad range of appeal.
A review of Somebody to Love by Parker Longwood
The writer took this story and gave it body – breathed life into it. The questions weren’t left unanswered and I personally was proud of Claire for her bravery and belief that to find her roots – her story was important. Longwood shows that clearly. She tells Claire’s story beautifully.