My three best reads from July are:
April Taylor - Dangers of Destiny
This is a fascinating novel, set in an alternative Tudor timeline, in which Anne Boleyn and Henry VIII's son did not die. Anne is still married to Henry, and has fought off the Seymour family's bid to oust her in favour of Jane. But Henry lies gravely ill, and it's clear to local apothecary's assistant and trainee elemancer Luke Ballard that it is not natural. He's sent to investigate the matter by the elder elemancers, with the help of his contact in the Queen's entourage, Gwennlian. They begin a dangerous investigation to try and uncover the source of the evil that threatens the King. As matters take a more serious turn, Luke must take on more responsibility and learn to become adept in good magic. He's assisted by his greyspring, a magical being in the form of a dog, who is his constant companion. This alternative history adventure is brilliantly woven to its conclusion as the culprits are exposed. I found the opening a little confusing, but once I was into the book I couldn't put it down. Full of colourful and believable historical detail, I love novels that investigate 'what if...?' and also the twists of the supernatural.
Shirley Dickson - The Outcast Girls
Two girls from very different backgrounds end up working on a farm during World War II. Sandra was brought up in an orphanage, and her only surviving relative is her brother, Alf, who is now serving in the army. As the novel opens, she's working as a live-in servant for a local professional family in South Shields, but she's treated as a drudge. Through the help of an older friend, she has the opportunity to escape and begin life as a Land Girl in Northumberland. But Sandra is ashamed by the fact that she's illiterate. She has to rely on the kindness of the few friends that know her secret. When working on one of the farms, she meets fourteen-year-old Frieda. The young Jewish girl was evacuated to England by her parents before the war began, and she has no idea what happened to them. Horriffic stories of the fate of Jewish people are beginning to filter through from the Continent, and Frieda worries about them constantly. Moreover, her younger brother jumped ship when they were being evacuated from Germany, and she feels guilty that she didn't manage to bring him to England with her. Sandra and Frieda begin to form a special friendship. Through love and heartbreak, they find that their bond is a support as each goes through the trials of growing up in a time of War. A tenderly written saga.
Teresa Driscoll - Her Perfect Family
A University graduation ceremony; a shot fired; one of the graduating students in a coma. Right from the start this novel is riveting. As the story unfolds, we discover that every character has secrets. Flashbacks to the former lives of Gemma, the victim, and of her parents, Ed and Rachel, unfold as each new revelation brings a further shock. Why was Gemma targeted? Could it have something to do with her parents' pasts? Or what about her former boyfriend, Alexander? Local ex-policeman turned Private Investigator, Matthew, finds himself caught up in the whole incident right from the start. But when his own family appear to be targeted, he begins to question if he's doing the right thing in becoming involved. As the twists and turns escalate, the book becomes impossible to put down. An excellent read.
