Age:
Adult

Genre:
Historical Fiction, Realistic Fiction

Summary:
Hannah Levi is a renowned midwife living in a Jewish ghetto during sixteenth-century Venice.

When she is woken abruptly one night, Hannah thinks it is just another husband seeking help with his wife’s childbirth. What she soon discovers is the man in question is no ordinary man. In fact, he is a rich Christian count offering a richly sum for Hannah’s help.

To aid a Christian is illegal, but Hannah knows she can buy her husband’s freedom with the money. Hannah’s decision and the events that transpire next will send the reader on a dramatic and suspenseful journey.

My Thoughts:
An excellent first novel by author Roberta Rich. It was recommended to me by a regular library customer whose flattering review left me so intrigued I had to get a copy for myself. This novel pulls the reader in straight from the start with a strong concept and strong storytelling. There were plenty of twists and turns – in addition to a parallel storyline – to keep the pages turning.

I’ve enjoyed this book so much I passed it on to a friend. I’ve even requested an audiobook version for my father to listen to! This is a great general fiction recommendation for any adult looking for the latest and greatest – and it doesn’t even have a long waiting list (yet)!

Borrow The Midwife of Venice from your local Vaughan library today!

Age Group:
Tween

Genre:
Realistic Fiction, Mental Health

Summary:
It’s just a few more days until Mattie Breen starts school in a new town. A few more days until she has to introduce herself again – and try to make new friends. Mattie’s not very keen on a fresh start.

She decides to spend her spare time helping her uncle Potluck, the school janitor. In her notebook Mattie writes all of the custodial wisdom she learns from uncle Potluck. She plans to convince him to take her on as his custodial apprentice when the school year starts. And she’ll be able to avoid the awkwardness of lunch and recess with a crowd of new kids.

Mattie’s plan seems to be working. But a series of events – and a new girl in town – will change Mattie’s perspective on friendship and new beginnings.

My Thoughts:
A poignantly written story about a shy and anxious young girl. Mattie is on the verge of starting the fifth grade when she finds herself in yet another new town. She is a sensitive and earnest child who looks up to her caring uncle and aspires to become his custodial apprentice.

Mattie’s soft-spoken, introspective nature will resonate with any child whose voice gets lost in a crowd. Mattie’s story will prove that even if you’re the shy new girl at school, everyone deserves a friend.

Borrow Hound Dog True from your local Vaughan Library today!

Age Group:
Children

Genre:
Historical Fiction, Adventure, Canadian Literature

Summary:
Ellie is a young girl living with her father on the coast of beautiful Nova Scotia. She is coping well with the recent loss of her mother. But her father is having a hard time finding a new job to support them. When he is unexpectedly hired to work on Sable Island, Ellie and her father must relocate and say farewell to their beloved home. Ellie is at first scared and angry, but she soon discovers that isolated islands can be a treasure trove of magical new friends.

My Thoughts:
A sweet, simple, heartwarming tale of a young girl’s journey to a new life. Hughes subtly but masterfully touches upon Ellie’s grief and her youthful determination. This is a wonderfully innocent story for young children to read alone or with a parent. New chapters begin with whimsical illustrations depicting the homely country landscape. The novel’s ambience shares similarities to stories such as Anne of Green Gables or Road to Avonlea. For anyone looking for a down-to-earth read, I highly recommend The Island Horse.

Borrow The Island Horse from your local Vaughan library today!