Summer Reads Recommended by Book Chat

Here is a collection of super summer reads recently discussed at Flaxmere Library Book Chat.

The Path to the Sea by Liz Fenwick
Cornwall always seems to be steeped in history and secrets. Here at the beautiful house of Boskenna, three generations of women return to the place which held for them both joy and tragedy. As they face up to the past, their lives will be changed forever. A really enjoyable read.

The Blessed Child by Rosie Goodwin
In 1860s Warwickshire, spirited young Wednesday (Nessie) must try to keep her family together when her mother is killed and the family evicted from their home. After a run of difficulties, working for an undertaker opens opportunities and hope. Draws you in from the first page.

After the Storm by Linda Castillo
Police Chief, Kate Burkholder, is on the case when a skull is found in the remains of a barn destroyed by a tornado. The case will take her into the heart of the Amish community and the history oa young man missing from thirty years ago - with family secrets, cover-ups and an atrocity that is unimaginable. Another gripping read from a terrific series.

Matters of the Heart by Fiona Palmer
Popular Australian romance writer Fiona Plamer recreates Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice in modern-day Western Australia. The Bennets are a farming family trying to make ends meet; dashing Charles Bingley a recent addition to the community looking to buy more property; Darcy a farming magnate who upsets Lizzie at a dance. Sound familiar? A funny and well-written love story.

A Dog Called Jack by Ivy Pembroke
Jack the homeless mutt trots between houses in a terraced street, receiving pats and treats. He seems better at interacting with everyone than the neighbours themselves. When single parent Sam moves in with his young son, things are about to change, with a little help from Jack, of course. A warm-hearted story about love and community.

The Stranger Diaries by Elly Griffiths
Griffiths is well known for her series featuring forensic archaeologist, Ruth Galloway. This standalone offers an unusual plot where teacher, Clare Cassidy, confides in her diary her suspicions about the death of a colleague. Imagine her shock when someone else starts writing in her diary even though it is locked away. Could it be a ghost or the murderer? A terrific mystery from a great storyteller.

Khaki Town by Judy Nunn
Townsville 1942 - the fall of Singapore and bombing of Darwin have brought an influx of soldiers - hence the title. But while the beer flows and the jazz plays, tensions arise between the American GIs and the Australian troops, while black GIs enjoy life without segregation. A thoughtful look at a snapshot of history inspired by a true wartime story.

Murder in Misdirection by Anne Cleeland
The seventh in the New Scotland Yard series featuring Chief Inspector Acton and DS Kathleen Doyle. When a body is found in a burnt-out church, is this a simple case of manslaughter, or was the arson intended to cover-up a murder? A gripping mystery with a wonderful pair of sleuths - one who's a lord with a knack for solving crimes, and his partner an intuitive, Irish redhead.

The Queen's Tiger by Peter Watt
The second in a wonderful new historical series, this novel takes us to colonial India in 1857. Army surgeon Peter Campbell is newly married, his wife Alice set to take on an unusual role as tensions simmer and nationalism is set to erupt. Plenty of action, intrigue and drama - Watt's fans won't be disappointed.

Posted by Flaxmere Book Chat