Here’s the only adult fiction compilation post that I have
for this year. Maybe next year, I’ll read enough for two compilation posts!
The Book of Lost Names (July 21, 2020) by
Kristin Harmel.
<This is a standalone novel.>
Under dire circumstances, Eva Traube discovers she is
skilled at forgery in 1942. She lives with her parents in Paris. While she was
born in France and grew up speaking the language, it’s no secret that she and
her parents are Jewish; her parents are Polish Jews. Tatuś is taken by
French police. Eva and Mamusia flee to Aurignon in southern France, it
being part of the Free Zone until it isn’t. Eva and her mom let a room from
Madame Barbier. She’s part of an underground network helping people, mainly
children, flee to Switzerland. She gets Eva in contact with Père Clément at the
Église Saint-Alban, where she meets a handsome forger named Rémy Duchamp.
Giving new names to those fleeing may help them survive, but Eva despises the
idea that she’s erasing people; hence, The Book of Lost Names. The book
itself is lost to the Nazis, and it’s in 2005 when Eva, now Eva Traube Abrams,
sees a photograph in a magazine at her local library, where she works as a
semi-retired librarian, now well into her 80s. She’ll fly to Berlin to reunite
with the book. One thing lost to her is about to be returned, though so much
and so many were lost to her during WWII, including Rémy, when the resistance
cell they worked for was compromised. Eva’s son knows nothing of this part of
her life. Is she ready to share it?
It’s the
title that caught my eye, and the story captured my interest from the first
chapter. At turns heartfelt and heart-shattering, tender and devastating, this
historical fiction novel is poignant, powerful and purposeful. Despite
inhabiting a dark, terrifying time, the characters show bravery, courage and
the resilience of the human spirit while walking amongst evil, much like far
too many had to do in real life then and, sadly, are doing now. My first story
by Harmel, and I was swept up in its emotion and realism. This story is
thoughtful and compelling.
Happiness Falls (Aug. 29, 2023) by Angie Kim.
<This is a standalone novel.>
Their father is missing. The father is Adam Parson, and the
mom is Dr. Hannah Park. Their biracial children are a mash-up of their names:
twins Mia and John Parkson and Eugene Parkson, their 14-year-old brother, who’s
six years their junior. Mia is the only one at home when Eugene comes running
full speed ahead. He’s alone, disheveled and bloody with blood under his nails.
Adam isn’t with him, not that Mia notices straight away, with her eyes shut
against the sun. By the time Hannah and John have returned home from their
respective workplaces, hours have passed. Eugene cannot tell them what happened
to their father, as he’s unable to communicate orally or through writing.
Eugene has both autism and the rare genetic condition called Angelman syndrome.
When Eugene gets in trouble for accidentally assaulting a police officer, it
becomes even more imperative to learn what happened to Adam. Due to COVID-19
restrictions, he’s fortunately able to be under house arrest at home instead of
kept overnight in an unfamiliar environment (detention center) with complete
strangers. As the rollercoaster search continues, it’s discovered that Adam had
secrets of his own. Namely, the HQ (happiness quotient) and
something major to do with Eugene. The clock is ticking in this investigation.
What did Eugene witness?
There is so
much to this domestic drama that’s also a compassionate mystery containing
themes of philosophical inquiry, the power of language and its role in
perceived intelligence and human connection filled with emotionally rich
storytelling. The story is told from Mia’s perspective. She’s hyper-analytical
and very judgmental, and I struggled with her character. I can be as judgmental
as the next person, but I was also raised to be compassionate. I can stand up
for myself without coming across as disdainful. So, whereas John’s niceness as
a narrator might’ve been easier to read, it’s Mia’s impertinent, over-thinking
mind that moves the story along. I didn’t love this adult fiction novel, which
I did read because of the hype – it’s a GMA Book Club Pick – but I can’t deny
that it’s one of the smartest books I’ve read this year. It’s multi-layered and
thought-provoking. This is a novel that shines with hope amidst heartache and
wrests joy from tragedy.
The Sound of
Sleighbells (June 27, 2023) by Janet Dailey.
*This is the sixth novel in a series.*
After divorcing her abusive husband, Ruth McCoy is looking
to create happy memories and new holiday traditions for her kids: Skip (15),
Janeen (6) and Tammy (4). Money may be tight, but she’s got a stable roof over
her family’s heads and food on the table. Branding Iron, Texas, is Ruth’s
hometown. It’s also Judd Rankin’s hometown, but she’s avoided him easily enough
over the years. Her first love, she knows Judd’s history, of his time in jail,
but Judd’s turned his life around. He owns a successful custom saddle-making
business and Angus ranch. Skip’s friend, Trevor, convinces him to help him with
a project out at Judd’s. Ruth is hesitant, worried that Judd and Skip will
notice too much. When a blast from the past comes to Branding Iron, a man
called Digger, Ruth fears it’s only a matter of time before her secret isn’t so
secret anymore. Judd’s never truly gotten over Ruth, but will Ruth give him
another chance?
My first
novel from the late author, I found this sixth in The Christmas Tree Ranch series to be sweet with tones of
trepidation. While I read this one in the summertime, it’d be perfect for
reading on a cold night, wrapped up in one’s favorite blanket with a generous
mug of hot chocolate containing extra marshmallows. It is part romance and part
intrigue. It’s a wholesome story for readers who love the magic of
Christmastime any time of the year. I’m not big on romance novels, but this one
with its multigenerational cast delivers good pacing and appeal for readers
looking for chaste romance.
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