My other choices from October are:
Lucinda Riley - The Seven Sisters: Maia's story
As the title suggests, this is the first of a seven-book series, which was inspired by the legend of the Seven Sisters of the Pleiades in Greek myth. Maia is the eldest of six girls who were all adopted when young by the man they know as Pa Salt. They grew up in an idyllic mansion on the shores of Lake Geneva in Switzerland. He named them after the Seven Sisters of the Pleiades. But there is no seventh sister. When Pa Salt dies suddenly, the sisters are thrown into devastation. He leaves them each a clue as to their real origin. Maia decides to follow his lead, and she finds herself in Brazil. She uncovers a love story that begins in Rio de Janiero in the nineteen twenties, intertwined with the creation of the magnificent statue of Christ the Redeemer. Passionate, touching, and full of colourful history, this story develops with a depth of narrative that is captivating.
Heidi Eljarbo - Of Darkness and Light
This is an unexpected gem. I've read many novels about World War 2, but this one is refreshingly different. The author has lived in Europe and America and now lives in Norway, the location for this mystery set in 1944. Solveig, or Soli as she is known to everyone, has a passion for art and works in Mr Holm's art shop. When their cleaner's body is found in the back lane, this sets off a chain of events that leads the young woman into an existence she had never imagined. Her knowledge of art history leads to an astounding discovery that brings her the chance to help protect Norway's art treasures from the occupiers. Unexpected twists and turns are revealed as Soli begins to discover who is on her side and who is her enemy. A great read.