Reviews

Val’s Book Reviews Our American Friend by Anna Pitoniak Toronto: Simon and Schuster Canada, 2022 $32.00 / 9781982158804 In Our American Friend, Whistler, BC-born author Anna Pitoniak (Necessary People) has produced a political thriller second to none. This fast-paced, page-turner tells the story of White House Correspondent, Sofie Morse, who has become jaded and cynical […]

Val’s Book Reviews The Last Unsuitable Man By Louise Carson Winnipeg, MB: Signature Editions, 2022 $17.95 / 9781773241159 Louise Carson’s 14th book, The Last Unsuitable Man, is a combination of mystery, music, love affairs gone wrong, and slow-paced twists and thrills. The thing I liked best about it is the division of the book’s parts

Val’s Book Reviews Emily Carr: Life & Work by Lisa Baldissera, with an introduction by Sara Angel Toronto: Art Canada Institute, 2021 $40.00  /  9781487102326 Most people in Victoria, throughout British Columbia and across Canada are of course familiar with the works of artist/writer Emily Carr. Her artwork is acclaimed both nationally and internationally. This

Val’s Book Reviews Patterson House by Jane Cawthorne Toronto: Inanna Publications, 2022 $22.95 / 9781771339391 In her novel Patterson House, Jane Cawthorne has produced a warm yet tragic story of a once-wealthy Toronto family who still own a stately mansion known as Patterson House. Cawthorne begins in 1873 with the ghostly voice of William Patterson,

Val’s Book Reviews The Runaway Heiress by Meg Tilly Toronto: Penguin Random House Canada (Berkley), 2021 $10.99 / 9780593201084 Who better than an Oscar-nominated actress to write a story about the quirky, unconventional lifestyle of Hollywood? Author Meg Tilly does not disappoint us in her novel The Runaway Heiress. After an unconventional beginning at a

Val’s Book Reviews The Secret of Bell Island by Mike Phelan Victoria: FriesenPress, 2021 $28.99 / 9781039127296 This author has written a very thought-provoking story set on Bell Island in Newfoundland during two time periods – the Second World War and the present-day — which also makes for an intriguing narrative of a relationship between

Val’s Book Reviews Deadly Triangle: The Famous Architect, His Wife, Their Chauffeur, and Murder Most Foul by Susan Goldenberg Toronto: Dundurn Press, 2022$23.99 / 9781459750302 Anyone who lives in British Columbia’s capital city or has visited the beautiful city of Victoria and admired the Parliament buildings and the world-famous Empress Hotel in the harbour, will

Val’s Book Reviews Canada, By Jove by Betty Annand Airdrie, Alberta: BWL [Books We Love] Publishing, 2021$16.99   /  9780228619437 (Amazon price and Amazon print ISBN) Betty Annand’s book, Canada, By Jove, is a charming tale of two young brothers, Ernest (Ernie) and Hubert (Bert) White, who leave England in 1910 for an adventure in Canada.

Val’s Book Reviews Definitely Not James Herriot: A Memoir, of Sorts by Jocelyn Reekie Campbell River: Peregrin Publishing, 2022$21.95 / 9781896402208 Jocelyn Reekie’s small book is a delightful treasure for anyone who loves animals. This short memoir covers Reekie’s life from the time she discovered a passion for animals as a child in Saskatchewan. Her

Val’s Book Reviews Why I’m Here: A Novel by Jill Frayne Edmonton: NeWest Press, 2022$21.95 / 9781774390498 Jill Frayne’s book Why I’m Here is a combination of the strong pull of family, overwhelming heartache and puzzling mystery. The book is a compelling read set against the fierce splendour of the Yukon. The protagonist, Helen Cotillard,