Anna Jacobs - One Kind Man
The second novel in the author's series about the village of Ellindale, this book is written in her trademark sympathetic style. The title character, Finn, has struggled with personal loss and hardship, but an unexpected legacy finds him the owner of a large house in the village. It is dilapidated and needs plenty of of attention, which means he can help some of the unemployed villagers. There's also a young boy who needs someone to care for him. As Finn works to improve the lot of his new friends and stand up for what is right, there are secrets to uncover and awakening of forgotten feelings. We also continue the story of characters introduced in the first novel of the series, but this novel would stand alone. A warm-hearted read.
Amy Harmon - From Sand and Ash
This book is a story of love and devotion through one of the most harrowing times in twentieth century history - World War II in Italy. Angelo has had a damaged leg since birth. His father sends they boy from America to his grandparents in Italy, so that he can enter the Church as a priest. His grandparents work for a Jewish family, and the daughter, Eva, is only a couple of years younger than Angelo. The two children become devoted, but Angelo's destiny in the Church and Eva's Jewish background mean that they can be no more than friends. As Italy moves into Fascism and becomes allied with Germany, Eva's family find themselves in serious danger and Angelo as a priest becomes a stealthy warrior to protect the innocent in a time of horror. The deep connection between the two young people becomes a steadfast beacon as they follow their own destinies. Some profound writing, with stirring characters and situations.