Mrs. Endicott's Splendid Adventure by Rhys Bowen

What a pleasant surprise!! I downloaded this novel because I was feeling I needed something light... something positive... maybe even something happy. (Have you read the news lately?) At first, I thought I'd made a bad choice, that this might actually be a bit fluffy. And while it certainly would classify as a little bit of chick lit, it also had a nice story and some wonderful characters. 

The book begins in the late 1930's in England when Ellie's husband of many years announces he's leaving her for a "girl" he's fallen in love with. Ellie pulls herself together and the book becomes one of those where the female lead is going to find herself and her best life. She decides to go to the coast of France and manages to pick up a few strays along the way. She settles into a tiny coastal town with an interesting cast of characters... and then the war hits. That's when the book is at its best.

At the beginning of the book, the author lists all of her books.... and why haven't I heard of her before! She's written about 60 books. Is that even possible?

Anyway, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was a nice little escape to France for a few days. Recommend this one. - June 

The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny by Kiran Desai

You already know I love Ann Patchett. Not only is she an amazing author, but she is also a very cool human. So when she announced her favorite book for 2025 was The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny, I was all in! What Ann forgot to tell me is that the book is 688 pages! This would not keep me away if the book was riveting, but this one was not. Yes, it is extremely well written with sentences and paragraphs that are beautiful. However, the story and the characters just didn't grab me at all! When I looked at some of the reviews online, many said that the last half really dragged. Since I was dragging myself through the first half, I decided to give up. I hate to do it. Sorry, Ann. - June

 

The Names by Florence Knapp

So what if you had been named something other than the lovely name of Beverly Kathleen? Would you be a different person had you been named Bertha, Ruth, Matilda? My parents almost named me Valentine. Would I be different if they had?

This novel reminds me a bit of Sliding Doors, that wonderful movie from years ago where one small change was made and then the storyline splits. In The Names, a young mother is making a decision about what to name her newborn son. Should she name him Gordon after his father and grandfather? Or should she go rouge and name him Bear as her daughter wants? Or should she find a suitable name somewhere in the middle... Julian. We now follow three storylines and how the family moves through their lives as a result of the name given to the boy.

Great story - even if a little confusing sometimes as to what is going on when you jump back into an alternative timeline. But it's well written and certainly hold your interest. - Highly recommend. - June

How to Read a Book by Monica Wood

Ignore the cover. It makes the book look like it's written for children. Or it reminds me of those Mitford books that were popular years ago and very sappy (and maybe religious?). The title is odd too but memorable and it makes sense once you've read the book.

Three characters: Violet, a young woman who makes a terrible mistake and serves time as a result. Harriet, a kind, intelligent woman in her 60's who volunteers at a prison to run a book club. And Frank, a widower who is magically connected to both of these women. There are lots of literary references that are fun, and there's an interesting storyline about training parrots. 

And it takes place in Portland, Maine! One of my favorite towns, and I could picture it all taking place there.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommend it. -June