Thankful (and recommending) my recent Canadian reads.

I am thankful for many things this weekend. My husband, my kids, my grandkids, my sister and sis-in-law and the list goes on and on...and on. Pretty lucky am I.

That thankful includes being able to buy and recently read the books of these FABULOUS Canadian authors. I am also thankful for living in the Chinook Arch Library area--gives me some serious good borrowing power that includes e-books (over-drive rocks!). Going to help with future plans of doing Oh (MG YA) Canada reading round-ups.

Some serious good talent in the great white north. In no particular order (although I guess alphabetical would have been a good plan) my recent recommended reads. These aren't reviews, just books I'd pull off the shelves and say...buy it, borrow it.


Y.S. Lee-THE AGENCY: A SPY IN THE HOUSE

Rescued from the gallows in 1850s London, young orphan (and thief) Mary Quinn is surprised to be offered a singular education, instruction in fine manners — and an unusual vocation. Miss Scrimshaw’s Academy for Girls is a cover for an all-female investigative unit called The Agency, and at seventeen, Mary is about to put her training to the test. Assuming the guise of a lady’s companion, she must infiltrate a rich merchant’s home in hopes of tracing his missing cargo ships. But the household is full of dangerous deceptions, and there is no one to trust — or is there? Packed with action and suspense, banter and romance, and evoking the gritty backstreets of Victorian London, this breezy mystery debuts a daring young detective who lives by her wits while uncovering secrets — including those of her own past. (Goodreads)


Kit Pearson THE WHOLE TRUTH

It is 1932. Polly, almost ten, and her older sister, Maud, travel by train and boat from Winnipeg to an island between Vancouver and Victoria. There they will live with their grandmother, who will be their guardian. Maud will go to boarding school in Victoria, while Polly will live with her grandmother and attend the small school on the island.

Their grandmother and other family members welcome the girls warmly; new-school jitters give way to new friendships and even a new puppy; and slowly Polly feels that she is becoming part of a larger family she never knew until now.

But Polly and Maud have a dramatic secret, and they have promised each other never to tell anyone. A surprise arrival on th and e island, however, threatens Polly’s newfound happiness and tests the bonds of family love. Can Polly keep the secret and her new life on the island? (Amazon.ca)

Kenneth Oppel THIS DARK ENDEAVOR

 Growing up, twin brothers Victor Konrad fill their lives with imaginary adventures...until the day they stumble upon The Dark Library, where they discover secret books of alchemy and ancient remedies. When Konrad falls gravely ill, Victor is drawn back to The Dark Library and uncovers an ancient formula, beginning a treacherous search for the ingredients to create the forbidden Elixir of Life. Their success depends on how far they are willing to push the boundaries of nature, science…and love. (Indie Bound)







Janet Gurtler IF I TELL

Jasmine Evans knows one thing for sure... people make mistakes. After all, she is one. Jaz is the result of a onenight stand between a black football player and a blonde princess. Having a young mother who didn't raise her, a father who wants nothing to do with her and living in a small-minded town where she's never fit in hasn't been easy. But she's been surviving. Until she sees her mom's new boyfriend making out with her own best friend. When do you forgive people for being human or give up on them forever? (Goodreads)





Lena Oakley WITCHLANDERS

High in their mountain covens, red witches pray to the Goddess, protecting the Witchlands by throwing the bones and foretelling the future.

It’s all a fake.

At least, that’s what Ryder thinks. He doubts the witches really deserve their tithes—one quarter of all the crops his village can produce. And even if they can predict the future, what danger is there to foretell, now that his people’s old enemy, the Baen, has been defeated?

But when a terrifying new magic threatens both his village and the coven, Ryder must confront the beautiful and silent witch who holds all the secrets. Everything he’s ever believed about witches, the Baen, magic and about himself will change, when he discovers that the prophecies he’s always scorned—

Are about him.

And speaking of all that fabulous...there is still time to win a copy of my recent OH (MG YA) Canada feature, ASHES ASHES! (midnight, mst, Sunday Oct. 9). There is also an interview with the author, Jo Treggiari, in which you gain some great insight into her inspiration, link to some her favorite blogs and find out she now has an office...with a door and everything! Check it out  here.

Happy Thanksgiving!