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THE WINTER CROWN by Elizabeth Chadwick
This is the second in a series of three novels encompassing the life of Eleanor of Aquitaine (I reviewed Book One last month). Born in 1124 (900 years ago), she was the wife of Henry II of England and bore him eight children, three of whom become kings. But she had to fight for her inheritance, as well as be recognized as a woman with power in a time when men presumed all the power. In the process, she alienates her husband and is jailed for treason. That is where we leave her until the next book (see below).
142 OSTRICHES - by April Dávila
How can you not want to pick up a book with the title "142 Ostriches?" Tallulah Jones lives with her grandmother on an ostrich ranch in the Mojave Desert. When her grandmother dies suddenly, she is left to make a host of difficult decisions. An interesting combination of humor, anger and multiple family complications keep the plot moving to an end that you can see coming but don't know how it will all resolve. In the meantime, you learn some interesting facts about ostriches.
THE LAST RUNAWAY - by Tracy Chevalier
This author (best known for her highly popular "Girl With a Pearl Earring") is adept at taking a look at subjects that are not particularly in the spotlight, but worthy of note. In this book, we are immersed in the nineteenth century with the Quakers and their activities with the Underground Railroad, focused on the Oberlin, Ohio area. It's a story of black and white, love and hate, hard work and delicate quilt stitchery. A good way to recall some Ohio history while appreciating what our ancestors lived through.
THE HAUNTING AT BONAVENTURE CIRCUS by Jaime Jo Wright
In this mystery, we shuttle between two stories lived in two different generations - with Pippa in 1928 and Chandler in the present day. The stories revolve, as the title suggests, around circus life. There's plenty of suspicion, rejection, jealousy and unsolved murders throughout to keep us guessing. And, to help us catch our breath in between, the birth of a baby elephant plus a few love tangles. If you're "into" mysteries, this book will certainly keep you guessing. Will it all come out to your wishes? Read it and see.
WE CAME, WE SAW, WE LEFT by Charles Wheelan
This is a road trip to top all road trips - and a true one. The Wheelan family (dad, mother, three teenagers) take off from work and school for nine months of travel around the globe. They are all well-seasoned campers and hikers, so they don't take the easy way of tour guides and hotels. There are plenty of glitches and squabbles as well as amazing experiences. Whether this book makes you want to travel or be glad to stay at home in your armchair, have a good time with this adventure.
THE AUTUMN THRONE by Elizabeth Chadwick
We come to the last book of the Eleanor of Aquitaine trilogy, where she finally becomes the dowager queen of England, after the death of her husband, Henry II. But family rivalry continues to plague the royal family. Through it all, Eleanor continues to love her warring sons while trying to keep the peace between them. Living until the age of 80 (a ripe old age at that time), her legacy lives on in early English history.
LANDSLIDE by Susan Conley
If you've ever experienced life with teenagers, you'll be able to relate to this novel. The setting: coastal Maine. The cast: a father, a mother, and their two sons, both in high school. The problem: Dad is hospitalized for weeks in Nova Scotia after a fishing accident while Mom is trying to cope with the family at home. One son has a new girlfriend, the other son has been getting into trouble at school. No one is coping well. Of course, things get pretty well resolved by the end, but that's not until page 368.
THE ARCTIC FURY by Greer Macallister
This adventure story takes us to the Arctic in the mid-1800's - based on a true story of Lord Franklin's lost expedition. In this telling, Lady Franklin hires adventuress Virginia Reeve to lead a dozen women on a northward trek to find her husband. The expedition fails to find them and loses some of their members in the attempt. A trial follows, implicating Virginia and raising questions as to her earlier history. Alternating chapters between the ill-fated trip and the ensuing trial keeps us guessing until the end.
