Author: Elizabeth Acevedo

Do you know the CBC radio show Q? I seldom listen to it because I don’t particularly like the host. While we were on Texada I heard an interview with the author of this book and the topic of a living wake intrigued me.

Flor, Matilde, Pastora and Camila are sisters born in the Dominican Republic but who have since moved to New York. The other main characters in the book are their daughters, Yadi and Ona. Each of the sisters has a special talent but Flor’s talent is predicting a death. So when she decides to have a living wake everyone is concerned for her.

I found the story a little hard to follow. The story switches from the Dominican Republic in the past to New York in the present. I also had trouble keeping the characters and their talents straight.

Goodreads Rating: * * *

Author: Kristin Harmel

I knew from my Facebook group that there was going to be a surprise ending so I was watching for it. It was a long time before I clued in; I had a general idea but I wasn’t completely right.

The story is written from the viewpoint of three women. Céline and Inès stories take place during the occupation of France during the Second World War. Liv has just finalized her divorce when her grandmother, Inès, whisks her off to Paris.

The story revolves around a fictional champagne house near Riems.

Goodreads Rating: * * * *

Author: Richard Osman

I may have to stop taking recommendations from my Facebook group – another story about senior citizens.

The characters in the book live in a retirement village. They come from different backgrounds but one of the original members was a retired police officer so the group are reviewing some of her unsolved cases. Two new murders in the space of a few days has the group trying to solve the mysteries. But are they helping the police or hindering them?

Goodreads Rating: * * *

Author: J. C. Williams

This book showed up on one of my Facebook groups and I thought it looked interesting. It is a nice story but not very deep. I found it a bit more interesting as it is set on the Isle of Man. One of the quilts I’m working on (Manx Quilt) uses a traditional technique from the Isle of Man.

Jack and Emma are partners in a small coffee shop. As their customers dwindle they decide to start a club for the elderly in their community. The club is a huge success and they attempt to set a Guinness World Record for the longest flowering wall.

The author has written several more books but I don’t think I’ll bother with them.

Good Reads Rating: * * *