All the Single Ladies
By Dorothea Benton Frank
William Morrow. $26.99
This novel is perhaps best be described as “chick lit” for the older woman. Three amazing and unforgettable middle-aged women are the focus of this story that opens with the passing of Kathy Harper, the patient of Lisa St. Clair.
A dedicated nurse, Lisa grew attached to Kathy as she struggled with cancer. Now with Lisa gone, Kathy finds herself drawing closer to Carrie and Suzanne, two of the deceased woman’s devoted friends who were always there for her too.
On their seashore walks these three women share their concerns about men, aging, and the challenges of remaining financially secure. The reader also comes to learn more about the women’s own families and the problems they have had to deal with over the years.
As their relationship deepens, these three also compare notes as they share stories about their former friend. As one might expect, some interesting truths emerge about Kathy and her life as well.
This poignant story about friendship has its humorous moments as well as some emotional surprises. Overall, though, it confirms the importance of developing solid relationships and it illustrates the fact being single doesn’t mean having to be alone in one’s later years.
The Jesus Cow
By Michael Perry
Harper. $25.99
Wisconsin farmer Harley Jackson finds a surprise in his barn that is going to change his life and that of the rural community where he lives.
“On Christmas Eve itself, the bachelor Harley Jackson stepped into his barn and behold there illuminated in the straw a smallish newborn bull calf upon whose flank was borne the very image of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
‘Well,’ said Harley, ‘that’s trouble.’
Harley could not have been more correct. Although he tries to suppress the miracle, the presence of the “Jesus cow” in his barn sets off a chain reaction that is more akin to a descent into Hell than an ascent in the opposite direction.
The media is followed by pilgrims and wheeler-and-dealers who want to turn Swivel, Wisconsin, into a cheesehead version of Lourdes. A host of odd characters descend upon the farm and Harley, promising to make him wealthy and famous when all he really wants is to romance his truck-driving lady friend and continue with his simple pastoral existence.
If you love offbeat fiction with plenty of salty humor, you’ll find this novel much to your liking. Christopher Moore, the author of “Lamb,” calls this literary concoction “a funny, beefy, tasty stew with a lot of heart.” You’ll probably agree that it is seldom that literary fare of this nature is served up in such a palatable, enjoyable dish!
The Moment of Everything
By Shelly King
Grand Central. $15
Felton resident Shelly King’s new novel is set in a used bookstore in Silicon Valley. Maggie Dupres, the protagonist, loves hanging out in her landlord’s bookstore to kill time and enjoy the books. One day she discovers a copy of “Lady Chatterley’s Lover” with a series of messages written in it.
Discovering who the couple is who used this unique method of communication is just part of this intriguing story. The rest of it centers on Maggie’s involvement in the bookstore and how she interacts with the staff and customers.
A totally captivating plot and very likeable characters make “The Moment of Everything” a book that anyone who loves used bookstores will find very appealing. Dragonfly Used Books, the store’s name, is as much a presence here as the Mountain View setting and the memorable cast eccentrics who hang out there.
The Siege Winter
By Ariana Franklin & Samantha Norman
William Morrow. $25.99
Before she could complete this novel Ariana Franklin passed away, so her daughter, Samantha Norman, stepped in to finish it. Set in England in 1141, “The Siege Winter” focuses on two women. First, there’s Emma, an eleven year old who is left for dead after a band of mercenaries raids her village and leaves the child in a burnt-out church.
Found by another mercenary, Gwyl, the girl’s life is saved and she is raised as a boy named Penda for safety’s sake. Under her savior’s tutelage the young girl becomes a skilled archer.
The other young woman featured in this novel is Maud, a fifteen year old who, after being married off to an older man, Sir John of Tewing, is given a small but strategic fortress by the king. When Maud transforms her loyalty to a usurper to the throne, King Stephen’s armies attack Kenniford Castle.
Aided by a band of mercenaries, including Gwyl and his protégé Penda, Maud must survive the long winter siege. Weaving political intrigue and a captivating coming-of-age tale with adventure and a touch of romance, this is an action packed novel set during medieval times. Samantha Norman has done an admirable job maintaining the continuity of this story. Her mother would be proud of how she completed the manuscript.
Disclaimer
By Renee Knight
Harper. $25.99
Catherine Ravenscroft has no idea how the book ended up on the nightstand next to her bed. But as she begins reading the novel, she is captivated by the story because she realizes she is reading about herself and a day in her life twenty years ago. Unfortunately, this wasn’t a happy day and what transpired is something that Catherine has kept secret and tried to forget.
Entitled “The Perfect Stranger,” the book’s author is obviously an alias and that makes the shaken reader wonder who could share her secret. More troubling, though, is the fact that at the end of the story the featured character meets her end.
Sharing the narrative with Catherine in this psychological thriller is Stephen Brigstocke, a widower who made a shocking discovery among his departed wife’s possessions. Stephen finds a manuscript that contains all the material about Catherine Ravenscroft’s terrible secret that she’s kept hidden from her family and friends.
Catherine and Stephen have never met but now he knows more about Catherine than anyone else. With her past about to catch up with her, this woman is on a collision path with forces unleashed decades before this final reckoning.
Unsettling, yet impossible to set down, “Disclaimer” is a captivating read you’ll find lingers with you long after the final page has been turned.