The Magician's Assistant

I should have read this book years ago. I'm not entirely sure why I didn't. I love Ann Patchett's work--Bel Canto is on my top 10 list of favorite books. I guess I wasn't interested in reading about a magician or his assistant. It seemed like a silly topic. Oh boy, was I wrong; it is about so much more than that. It's about love, family, grief, magic, and place. I loved the characters in this book, and the story line is thoughtful and thought-provoking. Don't delay reading The Magician's Assistant

like I did!

A PLACE IN THE COUNTRY

Caroline Evans has left her cheating husband and her high class life behind in Singapore and takes her 15 year old daughter with her. Starting over is not going to be easy but it is better than living a lie. Caroline and Issy end up in Oxfordshire, England. They happen upon an English pub, where owner Maggie takes them in and has Caroline cooking up a storm in the kitchen in no time. Caroline loves to cook. Issy makes friends with Maggie's daughter, but she still blames her mother for taking her away from her father and ruining her life. Their lives take a turn as Caroline decides to follow her dream and create her own place in the country, while Issy is stuck in that time between a girl and becoming a young woman and making some new dangerous choices. Caroline is doing what she knows is right no matter how difficult. Issy just wants to return home and go back to normal. They meet many new people in the country that quickly become friends. Their past comes up-close and personal when someone is murdered and an unexpected visitor comes to visit them in the country. The mystery adds to this emotional story between mother and daughter and makes the read surprising and exciting. Twists and turns maneuver the story in different directions. A direction that shows Caroline how strong she had become since she was at her ex-husband's beck and call. This is a book to get lost in on a sunny afternoon.