Spell the Month in Books - June

Spell the Month in Books is hosted by Reviews From the Stacks and occurs on or near the second Saturday of each month:

Julie and Romeo by Jeanne Ray (2000). This is an appealing second chance at love themed novel. Romeo Cacciamani and Julie Roseman are rival florists whose families have hated each other for as long as anyone can remember, yet no one can remember why. When the two meet at a small business owners' seminar, a deep attraction blooms between them, much to the distress of their adult children. I remember my friend Ellen giving me a copy of this when it was new and reading it at one sitting. Ray is author Ann Patchett’s mother.

The Upstairs Room by Johanna Reiss (1972). A classic WWII survivor story based on award-winning author Reiss’s own childhood during the Holocaust. When the German army occupied Holland in 1940, Annie was only eight years old. Because she was Jewish, the occupation put her in grave danger. Most people thought the war wouldn’t last long, but Annie’s mother knew that if she wanted her children to stay alive, they would have to go into hiding. A Christian family, the Oostervelds, hid Annie and her older sister, Sini, for two years in a cramped upstairs room of a remote farmhouse.  My review.  

The Next Accident by Lisa Gardner (2001). FBI profiler Pierce Quincy is haunted by his daughter’s death in a drunk-driving accident two years ago. He knew she had a drinking problem but he is convinced there was more to it. After he asks his acquaintance Rainie Conner, now a private investigator, to reopen the case and she starts digging, Pierce’s ex-wife is murdered. Rainie becomes worried that Pierce’s other daughter is the next target and someone is targeting Pierce. After many years with the FBI, he certainly has attracted enemies but is one of them trying to destroy his family?

Eventer’s Dream by Caroline Akrill (1981). Elaine wants to become an event rider but first she needs a sponsor, a suitable horse, and somewhere to keep it. A job in a private yard or livery stable seems a logical step but numerous unsuccessful interviews leave her feeling desperate. As a temporary measure, she accepts a position with the arrogant but penniless Fane sisters, caring for their stable of rag-tag horses at their once grand but now falling apart manor house in Suffolk. But when the perfect job opportunity presents itself, can Elaine actually leave the Fane sisters in the lurch?  This is a fun series for horse-story fans.

These are fairly well-known titles except the last one, which I only know because my friend Bettina gave the series to me.