Reviews

The writings of seasoned women

Val’s Book Reviews Something Has Changed: An Anthology of Women’s Voices by The Pen Pals Writers’ Collective Nanaimo: Pen Pals Publishing (the book can also be ordered via penpalsbook@outlook.com), 2025 $20  /  97810694399505 “There is something profoundly magical about a community of like-minded people coming together to share their talents, passion, and skills.” These words appear in […]

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Things to come?

Val’s Book Reviews Broadway Corridor: The Great Social Divide by John D’Eathe Vancouver: Adagio Media, 2025 $21.99 / 9780991993079 In the “prophetic novel,” Broadway Corridor: The Great Social Divide, D’Eathe introduces his readers to a world set in the near future of Vancouver. The Broadway Corridor today is a major urban hub with many key areas—Vancouver General Hospital,

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Justice in the Name of Love

Val’s Book Reviews The Rebel’s Wife by Gerald Richardson Brown Vancouver: Granville Island Publishing, 2025 $24.95 / 9781989467794 Based on a true story, Gerald Richardson Brown’s book The Rebel’s Wife is set in the young colony of Upper Canada during the Rebellions of 1837-38. This was a turbulent period in Canadian history. The protagonist, Maria

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Expert witness, suspect, sleuth

Val’s Book Reviews Hired Gun: Uncovering Buried Secrets by Bill Koch Altona: Friesen Press, 2025$30.49 / 97810368329448 Bill Koch’s book Hired Gun has a gripping plot with an interesting story that holds your attention until the very last page. As an experienced psychologist himself, Koch is easily able to draw his readers into the life of his protagonist, psychologist David

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‘It is better to speak’ (and then act)

Val’s Book Reviews Make No Mistake by Julie Wise Penticton: Wise Publications, 2025 $20.99 / 9781069525505 This debut novel by Penticton author Julie Wise is a fast-paced and exciting feminist thriller about a heroine, Maggie Carpenter, who fights for justice for women everywhere. Maggie has spent a lifetime working for women’s rights, during which time

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I think we’re hooped

Val’s Book Reviews Fleeing the 51st State: A Voyage of Resistance and Hope by Peter Freeman Vancouver: Tablet Publications, 2025$35.00 / 9781069460813 Canada’s worst nightmare has happened. The country has been invaded from the south and is now occupied by the enemy. That’s the fascinating premise of Salt Spring island author Peter Freeman’s latest novel Fleeing

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