PORTRAIT OF A SISTER (Laura Bradford)

I was lucky enough to receive an Advanced Reader's Copy of this wonderful novel, Laura's first venture away from mystery and romance and into women's fiction.  It will be published on June 26 and my advice to you is to reserve your copy now! 

I am not a reader of the many Amish romances (just Laura's Amish mysteries) on the market right now, so I cannot authoritatively compare this novel to that very popular genre.  I can, however tell you not to confuse Portrait of a Sister, which is most definitely women's fiction, with that genre.  This is the story of two sisters raised in the Amish culture, one who left before baptism for a new life in New York City and the other who chose baptism and the Amish way of life.  Katie Beiler, not as brave and outgoing as her twin sister Hannah, chose family and tradition after her rumspringa and, when her mother passes away, assumes responsibility for taking care of the family.  Her happiness is marred by a secret that, when discovered by her sister Hannah, becomes a terrible dilemma for Katie.  Amish who leave before baptism are able to enjoy a relationship with their family, while those who leave after baptism are shunned and can no longer associate with beloved family members.  Is Katie's secret standing in the way of her happiness and fulfillment in life?  Did she make the wrong decision when she chose baptism?

Ms. Bradford, who has meticulously researched the Amish culture for several of her mysteries, has taken her love of the culture to a new level in this novel.  The reader feels as if they are immersed in the Amish way of life, dealing, along with Katie, with the psychological and emotional consequences and rewards of the choice to remain "plain" or to embrace the larger more exciting world of the "English."  Using twin sisters, raised together but having chosen different paths, is brilliant and not at all cliche, as it might have been in the hands of another writer.  I can honestly say that this novel, aside from being very entertaining, has given me new insights into the Amish mind and heart.  I would highly recommend it!

THE GRAVE'S A FINE AND PRIVATE PLACE (Alan Bradley)

Would you be surprised if I told you that while on a short family vacation led by Dogger, the de Luce's faithful family retainer, Flavia accidentally discovers a body?  Six months after the sudden death of their father, Flavia, Daffy, and Feely have accompanied Dogger on a river boating trip. When they reach the site of the church of the infamous murderer, Canon Whitehead, Flavia discovers a body in the water.  The body, dressed in theatrical costume, turns out to be that of Canon Whitehead's troubled son, Orlando.  Was it suicide, or could it be murder?  Of course, Flavia manages to get on the wrong side of the local constable during her investigation.

This latest book in the series is just as delightful as its predecessors, especially the developing insights into Dogger's mysterious past.  If you are a Flavia de Luce fan, you won't be disappointed!