Beth O’Leary, The Name Game

Ormer is a tiny, picturesque island in the English Channel, with a population of 500. A farm shop on the island has just hired Charlie Jones to be its new manager. But complications ensue when two Charlie Joneses—one male, one female—show up, both claiming to be the person hired. They agree to share the job and accommodations on a trial basis, but as they live and work together, they learn they have much more in common than their name. Beth O’Leary has become known for writing contemporary romances with a twist, and in this case, the twist bugged me. It was clever, but I’m not sure it added anything to the story; in fact, it detracted a bit from my enjoyment of the romance. The book also felt a bit too heavy at times—most of the characters are dealing with some kind of trauma and/or mental illness. So this is definitely not a light, fun read, but those who enjoy more serious contemporary romances (and idyllic small-town settings) will likely enjoy it.

Willa Cather, My Ántonia

In this 1918 novel, Jim Burden recounts stories of his childhood growing up on the Nebraskan prairie. He recalls the hardships and joys of life on a farm, the mingling of various immigrant groups despite differences of faith and language, the harsh struggle for survival, and the beauty of the land. Many of Jim’s memories focus on his neighbor and friend Ántonia Shimerda, the daughter of Bohemian immigrants, who maintains her joy and zest for life despite many challenging circumstances. This is a beautifully written book with well-drawn characters and a vivid setting. Cather did live in Nebraska for part of her childhood in the 1880s, so she had firsthand experience of the places and people she wrote about. The book has no plot to speak of, and it’s disappointing that Jim’s adult life (revealed in the introduction, so not a spoiler) doesn’t seem to coincide with his true passions and inclinations. But the tone of bittersweet nostalgia is certainly very effective, and I think this book deserves its status as a great American novel.

Kate Clayborn, The Paris Match

Physician Layla Bailey is on her way to a wedding in Paris, and she’s dreading it. The bride is her ex-husband’s sister, so she’ll be forced to mingle with her former in-laws—not to mention the ex himself, who is bringing his new girlfriend. Layla’s sole goal is to avoid any drama, but when the bride gets cold feet after a casual remark of hers, the groom’s abrasive best man, Griff, demands that she help him save the wedding. I really enjoy Clayborn’s contemporary romances, and I liked this one too, though it’s definitely angstier than the cover would suggest. I enjoyed the scenes between Layla and Griff much more than the peripheral wedding stuff; their chemistry is intense, and Griff is a compellingly damaged hero. But they fall very hard for each other very quickly, and I couldn’t entirely suspend my disbelief. Overall, this isn’t my favorite Clayborn novel, but it’s definitely worth reading if you like the premise and enjoy high-angst romance.