Check out these book reviews from Deena. Deena was a member of the Library’s Patron Service Team and continues to generously share book reviews with us during her retirement. Thank you, Deena!
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Leeway Cottage by Beth Gutcheon CTC3778
Laurus and Sydney fall in love. Laurus is a well-known musician from Denmark. Laurus and Sydney marry, but Laurus goes off to defend Denmark in World War II staying in Europe for several years, for the duration of the war leaving Sydney pregnant During the war, Laurus’s sister, Nina joins the resistance and eventually is caught and sent to a concentration camp. Laurus returns to the U. S. and he and Sydney have several more children. Their son is a troublemaker and is kicked out of a number of boarding schools.
Sydney, like her mother, is more concerned with herself and how she looks to other people than she is her children. Each summer the family spends their time in Maine at Leeway Cottage participating in sailing, parties, and golfing. If you are interested in family sagas spanning from the 1930’s to the 1990’s this is an interesting story.
The Christmas List by Richard Paul Evans DB70292
James Keir, is a ruthless businessman. His obituary appears in the newspaper, only they have mixed-up the James Keir’s. As James reads the negative comments on “his” obituary on the Internet, he begins to think about his life and how he would like to be remembered. He decides he must change his ways and make amends to those he has hurt. He asks his secretary to make a list of those he has wronged and goes to visit each person with mixed results.
The 13th Day of Christmas by Jason F. Wright UDBU01543
Charlee Alexander’s family is down on their luck. They move to a new town for a fresh start. Charlee makes friends with Marva, an 80-year-old widow. They become the best of friends, talking every day. Charlee is soon diagnosed with a brain tumor just before Christmas. Marva creates the 13 days of Christmas to give Charlee little gifts each day to lift her spirits. As Charlee gets better Marva becomes ill. When Marva’s life ends Charlee and her brother Zach take over the 13 days of Christmas tradition giving to those who need a lift.