Reviews

Val’s Book Reviews The Time of My Life: Dirty Dancing by Andrea Warner Toronto: ECW Press, April 2024 $19.95 / 9781770417410 This small book by author Andrea Warner covers many important topics that are still relevant in today’s world. The author has told her own story, comparing it alongside the story in the movie Dirty […]

Val’s Book Reviews Love Naturally by Sophie Sullivan New York: St. Martin’s Griffin, 2024 $24.00 / 9781250875839 Love Naturally is a lighthearted, romantic romp between two people who are complete opposites. It is set at a wilderness resort in Michigan. Sophie Sullivan, the pen name of a Fraser Valley author (who’s written romantic comedies since

Val’s Book Reviews Call of the Void by J.T. Siemens Edmonton: NeWest Press, 2024 $22.95 / 9781774390863 A nimbly-paced mystery story, Call of the Void takes readers into the raw and dangerous work of a private investigator. Protagonist Sloane Donovan, an ex-cop with a questionable past, now works as a private investigator with her partner,

Val’s Book Reviews The Wickedest of Things by Russel Barrie Kamloops: Russel Barrie Books, 2023 $24.00 / 9781738060701 Seeing a strong opening line like “The first time Reid died it was downright embarrassing,” you imagine you’re in for an intriguing read. As you read on, you realize the protagonist Reid Sheraton is playing a video

Val’s Book Reviews Playing The Long Game: A Memoir by Christine Sinclair (with Stephen Brunt) Toronto: Vintage Canada, 2023 $23.00 /  9781039004627 Christine Sinclair admits at the beginning of her book that she rarely talks about herself because she is not comfortable doing so. She writes: “Talking about myself has never been something I’ve liked

Val’s Book Reviews Freddie: The Rescue Dog Who Rescued Me by Grant Hayter-Menzies Victoria: Heritage House, 2023 $24.95  /  9781772034615 Grant Hayter-Menzies has immortalized his beloved dog Freddie in this charming book. His tribute to a very special little dog is both poignant and insightful, showing us how much dogs can teach us about love.

Val’s Book Reviews Wild Horses Running Free by Linda L. Richards Victoria: Orca Book Publishers, 2023 $24.95  /  9781459825598 “Everybody loves horses. The flowing mane and tail. Those big, lovely eyes and long elegant legs. Horses make us think of strength and speed and the sense of flight we can enjoy when we ride.” This

Val’s Book Reviews Grounded by Granite: a memoir by Patti Shales Lefkos SilverStar Mountain: Loon Island Press, 2023 $27.62  /  9781999229825 Before I read Patti Shales Lefkos’ book Grounded by Granite, I decided to research the area known as the Canadian Shield in Ontario. That is where the author’s memoir takes place, and I admit

Val’s Book Reviews Like Every Form of Love: A Memoir of Friendship and True Crime by Padma Viswanathan Toronto: Penguin Random House Canada, 2023 $35  /  9781039006201 This book is described as A Memoir of Friendship and True Crime. It is also two separate stories within a story while describing many different forms of love.