Check out these book reviews from Deena. Deena was a member of the Library’s Patron Service Team who recently retired. She has generously continued to share book reviews with us. Thank you, Deena! Let us know if you would like any titles added to your booklist or head over to BARD (Braille and Audio Reading Download) to download the titles now. Need more information about BARD? See our BARD Page.
The Exiles by Christina Baker Kline DB100662
1840: Evangeline becomes a governess in England. She is seduced by the lady of the house’s stepson and is then accused by the maid, Agnes, of stealing a ruby ring. However; the ring was given to her by the stepson. Agnes continues to harass and threaten Evangeline and she becomes angry and pushes Agnes down the stairs. Evangeline is charged with attempted murder and sentenced to 14 years and transport to Australia. Evangeline has a daughter aboard ship and other prisoners help to take care of the baby. The life in Australia is hard and prisoners are punished and treated harshly for infractions such as talking to each other. If they are lucky, they get to work for the new settlers in the nearby town. If you are interested in life in Australia or this time period you might enjoy this book. Today, nearly 5 million people in Australia are descended from prisoners transported from England to that area.
The First Phone Call from Heaven by Mitch Albom BR20357, DB77804
The people of Coldwater, Michigan are receiving phone calls from those who have passed on. Sully Harding, who lost his own wife in a terrible accident, is out to prove that this an elaborate hoax.
The Shadows We Hide by Allen Eskens DB93580
Joe Talbert is now a reporter for the Associated Press. He learns a man with his same name has died in a small town in Minnesota. Joe, knowing he was named after a father he never knew, goes to investigate. Once there he learns his possible father was murdered and many town’s people are not sorry to see he is gone. As Joe gets to know the people of this area a tangled tale is revealed, and if this is indeed his father, could stand to become a very wealthy landowner.
This is the sequel to The Life We Bury (BR21515, DB79908),but could be read as a standalone. I highly recommend both books.